BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today (Wednesday 5 June, 2024) accused of leading police on a pursuit in a stolen car.

Police were called to reports of a man acting suspiciously near a white utility on Finney Close at Rutherford at about 11.00am on Tuesday.

A short time later the car was spotted on High Street at Maitland, but the vehicle took off when officers tried to pull it over, sparking a pursuit.

The chase was called off for safety reasons.

The vehicle was found abandoned a short time later on the banks of the Hunter River.

A 28-year-old man was arrested nearby.

He’s been refused bail to face Maitland Local Court today charged with seven offences including vehicle theft, police pursuit and having custody of a knife in a public place.