ALLEGED THIEF PUTS “DOZENS OF LIVES AT RISK” HOONING THROUGH NEWCASTLE IN STOLEN AUDI
Police say a thief put dozens of lives at risk on the weekend after he allegedly stole a car from a home in Merewether and drove erratically through the streets of Newcastle, reaching speeds of up to 160km/hr.
On Sunday afternoon, the 49-year-old allegedly stole an Audi R8 from a home on Scenic Drive and took it on a dangerous joy ride through Newcastle.
Dash cam footage from the stolen car shows the alleged theif speeding through 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.
Newcastle City PD Commander, Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey APM, says the manner of driving in these alleged offences is horrendous and is one of the worst examples of dangerous driving he’s seen.
“It is dangerous driving at an extreme level,” Det Supt Humphrey said.
“This manner of driving puts dozens of lives at risk.”
Following an extensive investigation, police attended a home on Nooroo Close at Windale last night, and arrested the 49-year-old man.
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 today.
Double-demerit points are in force throughout the Christmas period for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.
“Double demerits are in force until Sunday 3 January 2021, and we are continuing to plead with all motorists to pay attention to your surroundings, don’t drink and drive, don’t speed and don’t have any distractions around you while behind the wheel,” Det Supt Humphrey said.
NSW Police officers will also be targeting other high-risk driver behaviour, including the Four Ds; drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.
