A MAN is behind bars after allegedly sparking a police chase through Newcastle in an unregistered car and crashing into a street sign.
Jye Smith, 29, fronted Newcastle Local Court for the first time on Friday, February 16, after his arrest in the early hours of the morning.
Smith pleaded guilty to three charges and will face sentencing in April.
A report into the circumstances of his offending will be prepared in the meantime.
Magistrate Ian Cheetham refused Smith bail, meaning he will await his next court date in custody.
The police case was that officers tried to pull over a red Ford Focus at Hamilton just after midnight on Friday after checks revealed the car's registration had expired.
The man behind the wheel failed to stop and a pursuit was launched on Donald Street, according to police.
Officers gave chase under lights and siren but the car came to a sudden stop on Northcott Drive when it crashed into a street sign.
One witness described the chase as it passed his house as "slow motion".
Footage obtained by the Newcastle Herald shows the moment the red Ford - with no headlights - travels along City Road then turns off down Northcott Drive.
The vehicle appears beaten up in the video and at least 10 police vehicles - including motorbikes - can be seen pursuing it under lights and siren.
Police swarmed the car when it crashed and the 29-year-old man was arrested.
Smith was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with driving while unlicensed, police pursuit, and using an unregistered car on the road.
