A man will face court today after two pursuits through the Hunter at the weekend.

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Shortly before 3pm on Friday 22 May 2020, officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped a Toyota Corolla on Adelaide Street, Raymond Terrace, and spoke with the driver before he accelerated away and fled.

A pursuit was initiated, travelling through Raymond Terrace with the Toyota allegedly reaching an estimated speed of 140km/h in a sign-posted 50km/h zone.

The Toyota stopped on Charles Street and the driver fled on foot, pursued by officers; however, the man could not be located.

In a second incident, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter PD were patrolling Raymond Terrace Road, Chisholm, when they attempted to stop a Hyundai Santa Fe for a random breath test about 11pm yesterday (Sunday 24 May 2020).

When the Hyundai failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated travelling through Thornton and Millers Forest, allegedly reaching estimated speeds of 140km/h in a sign-posted 80km/h zone.

The Hyundai continued through several streets before stopping at a home on Waterbush Crescent, Woodberry, where the driver, a 54-year-old man and a female passenger, aged 42, were arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station

The driver underwent an oral fluid test which was positive for methylamphetamine and cannabis. A secondary test which also returned a positive result, has been sent for analysis.

He was charged with 10 offences, including police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, police pursuit – not stop – drive speed dangerous, drive whilst disqualified, possess prohibited drug, driver provide false name, exceed speed over 45km/hr and goods in custody.

Police will allege in court that the man was the driver of both vehicles at the time of the pursuits with police.

The Telarah man was refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 25 May 2020).

The female passenger was released without charge.