Reckless driver who crashed stolen 4WD through Melbourne shopping centre sentenced to jail

A reckless driver who crashed a stolen four-wheel drive through Melbourne's Northland Shopping Centre while high on drugs has been sentenced to four years and 10 months in jail.

Giriwa May, who believed he was "Peter Brock reincarnated", rammed a police car and drove through the shopping centre's entrance, causing patrons to run for their lives.

Chaotic scenes at the shopping centre

County Court Judge Stewart Bayles said May showed complete disregard for the safety of police and people inside the Northland Shopping Centre in Preston.

"People could have been killed or seriously injured," Judge Bayles said.

"One can only imagine the fear and the terror this conduct must have instilled in those people."

CCTV footage shows May crashing through the glass doors of the shopping centre, with some shoppers running and others diving out of the way.

The court heard that on June 18 last year, a Northland security camera detected that the number plate on the stolen Landcruiser May was driving was itself stolen.

Police arrived soon after in an unmarked vehicle and tried to box May in, but he put the Landcruiser in reverse and rammed the police car out of the way.

He then headed for the shopping centre entrance, crashing through the centre's security bollards and glass doors, and sped past retailers and hit a children's playground.

No-one was hurt, but Judge Bayles described chaotic scenes at the centre.

"There is no audio on the CCTV footage but witnesses describe people as screaming, lying on the ground and crawling to get out of the way and avoid being hit," he said.

Damage and aftermath

The stolen Landcruiser smashed through displays inside the shopping centre, causing $145,000 in damage.

May was arrested the following day in East Melbourne.

Evidence from his phone showed he had filmed himself watching a news story about his actions at Northland, saying: "It's f***ing mayhem alright, beast, Peter Brock reincarnated."

He also sent an associate a photo of himself and the stolen vehicle on Snapchat, and wrote: "Peter Brock ain't got nut'n on me".

May pleaded guilty to a range of charges, including conduct endangering life and handling stolen goods.

Judge Bayles said May was remorseful and spoke of his shame for letting down members of the Indigenous community.

May will have to serve a minimum of two years and 10 months' jail before being eligible for parole.