Steven Smith, 47, of North Street appeared in Dubbo Local Court on Wednesday to face seven charges.

He had previously pleaded guilty to not stopping his car knowing police were in pursuit, driving a vehicle while under the influence of drugs, possessing a prohibited drug and having goods in custody.

The Dubbo man was also found guilty after hearing of having a custody of a knife in a public place, possessing housebreaking implements and a related charge.

The string of offences occurred on the morning of January 15 in a residential neighbourhood.

Detectives had activated warning devices as Smith’s car entered Yulong Street, but he ignored the signals and the pursuit began.

In the ensuing chase Smith drove in a manner dangerous to others.

At his apprehension, Smith was in possession 0.3g of prohibited drug buprenorphine and a keyring with assorted master keys which may be reasonably suspected of being stolen or otherwise unlawfully obtained.

On Wednesday the court heard Smith had been addicted to drugs from a young age.

The solicitor raised the issue of the threshold for jail, and magistrate Gary Wilson said there was “no question” it had been crossed.

Smith’s solicitor asked the court to consider a suspended jail sentence, or if not a jail sentence served by way of an intensive corrections order (ICO) in the community rather in a cell.

The magistrate said he was prepared to allow Smith to be assessed for suitability for an ICO.

“I’ll give you that opportunity,” Mr Wilson said.

“That’s where you are heading, full-time imprisonment [if assessed as unsuitable].”

The matter was adjourned to October.