A Perth mechanic is being charged with allegedly road testing a client’s sportscar on a public road at speeds exceeding 160km/hr. The 53-year-old motor mechanic, Leone Antonino Magistro allegedly test drove the Lamborghini Gallardo and initiated a chase with an unmarked police vehicle. However, Magistro has reportedly pleaded not guilty before the courts, claiming his speed did not exceed 130km/hr.

According to the officer involved in the chase that ensued, Magistro’s speed was not determined via speed detection equipment, however was judged based on how fast they had to drive to catch up to him. The officers in question claim they actually reached a whopping 160km/hr before realized they themselves were above the police-authorised limit of 140km/hr.

Magistro has agreed to accept the infringement for his claimed speed of 130km/hr, perhaps on account of the fact that an infringement for that specific speed will not incur the impoundment of the car. Though clearly caught in the act, Magistro has also publicly insisted that he does not road test client’s vehicles on public roads.

The vehicle in question belongs to a local doctor and is valued at $400,000. Despite the fact that the doctor was involved in no wrongdoing, the car has of course been impounded for 28 days under the anti-hoon legislation. Magistro’s trial continues.