A TAMWORTH man has denied he was involved in a car chase with police this week, but a court has heard he was on parole at the time for a similar offence.
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John Myles Cox has been refused bail in Tamworth Local Court on charges of driving more than 45km/h over the limit; driving in a dangerous manner; police pursuit; and driving while disqualified.
Police allege Cox sparked a pursuit in South Tamworth shortly after 4.30pm on Wednesday, when they spotted him behind the wheel of a Holden Colorado.
Officers initiated the chase when the Colorado allegedly failed to stop, but the pursuit was terminated due to the erratic driving of the vehicle, police claim.
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He was arrested later that day, but he had to overcome the show-cause hurdle in court as to why he should be released.
Legal Aid solicitor Alex Floyd said it was an "unusual case" and there "absolutely no way" the pursuit allegation could be made out in court, because it relied on the statement of an "unnamed female passenger".
He argued there was no age, condition or any information on the unnamed passenger.
"All of those things are left out of the fact sheet," Mr Floyd argued.
"So I would say there is an issue with the strength of the prosecution case."
He argued Cox needed to be on bail to care for an ill family member; was receiving medical treatment himself; and was starting a rehabilitation program in the new year.
Police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Matt Pawsey said Cox was "obviously facing a custodial sentence", if convicted.
He argued it was a strong case, with "police purporting to identify him" driving the car and finding the key in his pocket; and the female passenger identifying him as the driver.
Cox has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Mr Floyd argued that a "further show-cause matter" was the Christmas court shutdown and police being away during the festive break, further delaying any evidence being served on his client.
Ms Soars acknowledged Cox would be "vulnerable in custody", but the festive break "doesn't appear to me that it is an unusual delay", and consequently denied him bail.
"It's too early today," she said, to discount the evidence of the passenger in the case.
"There's other evidence linking Mr Cox to the driver of the car.
"It doesn't make out show-cause today."
He was denied bail and will return to court in mid-February.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
