Cody Allan Coppock and Jesse James Smith refused bail in Armidale court charged after Hillgrove police pursuit

Cody Allan Coppock and Jesse James Smith are facing a string of charges after they were arrested in a paddock near Hillgrove on Tuesday.

Coppock who turns 26 on Thursday, and Smith, 22,  failed to show cause in an out-of-sessions bail hearing in Armidale Local Court on Wednesday afternoon and were refused release.

They were ordered to remain in custody until next week.

Coppock is charged with eight offences including dishonestly obtaining property by deception, being carried in stolen conveyance, entering inclosed lands, malicious damage, possessing what police allege is the drug ice, goods in custody and police pursuit not stop.

Smith is facing four offences from Tuesday’s chase including being carried in stolen car, not stopping a vehicle when directed and trespassing.

Both men are charged with using an offensive weapon in company to avoid apprehension, namely that they pair allegedly used the stolen car and rammed officers in a bid to escape.

The pair were already wanted by police and had warrants out of their arrest for alleged offences in the Coonabarabran and Tweed areas when they were captured by New England police just before midday on Tuesday.

The pair were cornered in a paddock in Hillgrove by New England detectives and uniformed officers who had been hunting a stolen white Mazda Bravo ute on Tuesday morning.

“Thee actions of the police in apprehending these offenders should be commended,” New England Inspector Roger Best told The Leader.

“The offenders clearly showed completed disregard for the safety of others.

“We expect to lay further charges.”

Following investigations, Inspector Best said police were called to a property at Hillgrove and discovered suspected stolen goods.

“A significant amount of property including a quadbike, laptop, farm tools, rural supplies and a number of chainsaws were recovered by police,” he said.

“New England detectives are conducting further inquiries but some of the property has been linked to break-and-enters reported in the wider Armidale area in January.” No charges have been laid over the seizure.