The black van pulled up close to the back bumper of the car in front, flashing high beams.

Keeping what police would later describe as "menacingly" close, it partly crossed onto the wrong side of the road, the driver seeming to consider overtaking.

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In a 60km zone, the car crossed entirely to the wrong side of the road on a blind corner, only to get back in line about 400m west of the intersection with Tourist Road, where the road became divided by concrete barriers.

Once the dividers ended, the driver allegedly hit the accelerator, bursting across double unbroken lines to overtake the tailgated car and another three in front.

It was then that the harrassed car revealed itself to be an unmarked highway patrol vehicle. With lights and sirens activated, it brought the van to a stop.

On the roadside, the van driver allegedly told police he'd had a bad weekend, and was in a hurry.

Police allege the driver was a 50-year-old Fairy Meadow man, Leigh Gerard Smith.

Smith was charged with drive manner dangerous, not keep left of dividing line and speeding.

He was briefly taken into custody on Wednesday after he mistakenly failed to show up to a recent court date.

A police account considered by the court alleged Smith's manner of driving "could have easily let to himself ... or an innocent member of the public being seriously injured or killed".

Smith was granted bail unopposed in Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday afternoon. The matter returns to court September 6.

Read more Illawarra court and crime stories here.

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