Queensland M1 rampage driver sentenced

A Queensland man who went on a high-speed, drug-fuelled motorway rampage last year had a driving history that included 16 speeding offences.

Vito Antonio Virzi, 36, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment in Southport District Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to dangerous driving under the influence of drugs on April 10 last year.

Having served just over a year in custody following his arrest, Virzi has been granted immediate parole.

The court heard the serial speeder was spotted by several police officers driving erratically on the northern Gold Coast stretch of the M1.

At one point he flashed past a their marked car in his Holden Commodore at such speed, they couldn't read the registration plate.

Other officers recorded Virzi hitting 140km/h along the 110km/h stretch of motorway, forcing several vehicles to take evasive action as he sped down a right-hand safety lane.

Eventually his car ran out of petrol at Nerang and the father of three then attempted to get behind the wheel of a police car, sparking a violent arrest during which officers used capsicum spray and Tasers to subdue him.

One officer faced a wait for disease test results after being smeared in blood from a cut on Virzi's head.

Judge Catherine Muir slammed Virzi's driving record, which also included four drink-driving offences.

"You have shown a complete disregard for the privilege of holding a licence," she said.

As well as his prison sentence, Virzi is banned from applying to obtain a driver's licence for at least two years.

The court also heard he had a history of mental illness and drug abuse and had consistently refused treatment, a situation Judge Muir insisted he rectify.