Man refused bail after alleged Hunter Valley police pursuit ends near Cessnock

newy.com.au – A 23-year-old man will face court on Thursday 18 December 2025 after being charged following an alleged police pursuit that began at Sawyers Gully and ended near Cessnock yesterday.

Police allege the man failed to stop when directed and drove through several Hunter Valley roads before abandoning the vehicle and running into bushland, where he was arrested with help from the Dog Unit.

Officers attempted to stop a Toyota LandCruiser about 11.30am on Wednesday 17 December 2025 on Majors Lane at Sawyers Gully, police said.

When the driver allegedly did not stop, a pursuit was initiated and road spikes were deployed a short time later, police said, but the vehicle continued along Lovedale Road, Wine Country Drive and Lomas Lane.

Police allege the driver continued towards Cessnock, then exited the vehicle on Alkira Avenue and entered nearby bushland.

During a search of the area, and with assistance from the Dog Unit, a 23-year-old man was arrested a short time later.

Police allege a search of the man located 1.1g of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, while a search of the vehicle allegedly revealed stolen number plates.

The man was taken to Cessnock Hospital for drug analysis before being taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with eight offences including police pursuit, dangerous driving, attempting to drive under the influence of drugs, driving while disqualified, drug possession, possessing equipment for administering drugs, goods in custody suspected of being stolen, and taking and driving a conveyance without the owner’s consent.

He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 1 on Thursday.