A man has been charged with a range of offences after allegedly leading police on several pursuits in the Newcastle area this month.

About 3.15pm on Monday 1 February 2016, Traffic and Highway Patrol officers were conducting speed enforcement duties in a school zone on Hillsborough Road, Charlestown, when they noticed a white Toyota Yaris allegedly exceeding the speed limit.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle, when it’s alleged the driver drove away.

A pursuit was initiated; however, it was terminated a short time later when police lost sight of the vehicle.

About 11.30pm on Monday 8 February 2016, officers stopped a black Holden Commodore on University Drive, Jesmond.

As they were speaking to the driver and passenger, the car allegedly drove away on the wrong side of the road, causing police to initiate a pursuit.

The vehicle was seen on Newcastle Link Road, Wallsend and was pursued through several suburbs including Cameron Park and Edgeworth. It was terminated due to safety concerns.

About 11.20pm yesterday (Wednesday 17 February 2016), police were patrolling the Newcastle Link Road at Wallsend, when they sighted a black Holden Commodore and initiated a pursuit.

Officers approached the vehicle which was parked on Chiplin Street, New Lambton, and attempted to arrest a 24-year-old man who was disqualified from driving until 2051.

It’s alleged he resisted arrest, necessitating the deployment of OC spray.

The man was removed from the vehicle and officers conducted a search of the car.

During the search, police allegedly located and seized a quantity of amphetamine and several weapons including a knife and machete.

The 24-year-old was taken to Newcastle Police Station where a revocation of parole warrant was executed, and he was charged with a number of offences, including:

– Disqualified driving (x4);

– Driving in manner dangerous to the public;

– Exceed 30km/h in a school zone;

– Police pursuit – drive dangerously (Skye’s law) (x2);

– Display misleading number plate (x2);

– Resist arrest;

– Possess prohibited drug; and,

– Possession of a knife in a public place.

He has been refused bail to appear at Toronto Local Court today (Thursday 18 February 2016).