UPDATE: A man remains behind bars after a high-performance car was allegedly stolen and driven at 160km/h in a 60km/h zone in Newcastle.
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Darren Paul Johns, 49, was arrested after an Audi R8 was stolen from a home on Scenic Drive, Merewether about 2.45pm on Sunday.
Police allege Mr Johns committed several offences after stealing the Audi including crossing double lines to overtake vehicles, driving on the wrong side of the road and driving at approximately 160km/h in a 60km/h zone.
He was arrested at a Windale home just before 9pm Wednesday and taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, drive whilst unlicensed and break and enter house steal value more than $60,000.
He was refused bail in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday and is due to re-appear on February 18.
Newcastle City PD Commander, Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey, said the manner of driving in these alleged offences was one of the worst examples of dangerous driving he's seen.
"It so happens that the vehicle we will allege the 49-year-old stole from the Merewether home had a dash cam which automatically turned on as it left the property," he said.
"It is dangerous driving at an extreme level - speeding through residential areas and stop signs, over pedestrian crossings, travelling in excess of 160 km/hr in built up areas, overtaking other motorists across double unbroken lines, and crossing to the wrong side of the road.
"This manner of driving puts dozens of lives at risk."
EARLIER: A man will face court after a high-performance car was allegedly stolen and driven at 160km/h in a 60km/h zone in Newcastle.
The arrest came after an Audi R8 was stolen from a home on Scenic Drive, Merewether about 2.45pm on Sunday.
Police will allege in court that the driver - a 49-year-old man - committed several offences throughout Newcastle after stealing the Audi including, but not limited to:
- Crossing double white lines to overtake vehicles
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Speeding at approximately 160km/hr in a sign-posted 60km/hr zone
Following inquiries by officers from Newcastle City and Lake Macquarie, police attended a home on Nooroo Close, Windale, and arrested a 49-year-old man just before 9pm Wednesday.
He was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, drive whilst unlicensed and break and enter house steal value more than $60,000.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday.
Newcastle City PD Commander, Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey, said the manner of driving in these alleged offences was "horrendous" and one of the worst examples of dangerous driving he's seen.
"It so happens that the vehicle we will allege the 49-year-old stole from the Merewether home had a dash cam which automatically turned on as it left the property," Superintendent Humphrey said.
"It is dangerous driving at an extreme level - speeding through residential areas and stop signs, over pedestrian crossings, travelling in excess of 160 km/hr in built up areas, overtaking other motorists across double unbroken lines, and crossing to the wrong side of the road.
"This manner of driving puts dozens of lives at risk.
Double demerits are in force for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences from Thursday until January 3, and Superintendent Humphrey said said police pleading with all motorists to pay attention to their surroundings, don't drink and drive, don't speed and don't have any distractions while behind the wheel.
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