An unlicensed motorbike rider allegedly reached more than double the speed limit during a police chase in Warrawong on New Year's Eve, a court has heard.
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Jacob John Dwyer, 33, faced Wollongong Local Court on Saturday following his arrest on Friday night.
He was charged with police pursuit at speed, resisting or hindering police, possessing a prohibited drug, driving unlicensed, and recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Police alleged that about 9.55pm on Friday, officers in an unmarked vehicle were travelling northbound on Primbee Deviation when they were overtaken by a rider on a black Kawasaki allegedly travelling over the 70km/h limit.
They put on their lights and sirens to stop the bike, but the rider allegedly failed to pull over and sped up to over 150km/h before going through a red light on King Street.
They lost sight of the rider but then found him in the cul-de-sac of Second Avenue North.
Police were able to arrest him after he allegedly tried to accelerate up an embankment but lost control.
They alleged that Dwyer was seen to put something in his mouth and that was found to be methamphetamine from a ziplock bag.
Officers also allegedly found him with two mobile phones, $3500, and multiple ziplock bags.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Ashley Jacob opposed Dwyer's release on bail, telling the court he was on strict conditional bail in South Australia, the first condition of which was that he was not to leave the state.
She said Dwyer allegedly attempted to avoid police finding the meth by consuming it, and he put the community at risk with his driving.
The court was also told Dwyer had a significant criminal record in Western Australia.
Defence lawyer Emel Ozer said Dwyer had a flight booked for Sunday to return to South Australia for a court case, and if he missed that date a warrant could be issued for his arrest.
Ms Ozer said drugs were an issue for Dwyer, but a rehabilitation condition could be attached to his bail, as could other conditions to minimise any potential risk he posed.
Dwyer himself told the court that the condition of bail that prevented him leaving South Australia allowed him to cross the border if he informed police, which he said he had.
"I'm not a kid anymore and I'm not skipping no bail conditions," Dwyer.
But registrar Peter West said he was not satisfied that Dwyer had shown good reason for his release on bail, and refused his release.
Dwyer will face court again on January 10.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
