Andrew James Smith refused bail, accused of police chases near Tamworth and Werris Creek

Andrew James Smith appeared in Tamworth Local Court on Friday on 12 charges after his arrest near Breeza on Thursday afternoon.

The 30-year-old was not required to enter pleas to charges of police pursuit; and multiple counts each of driving recklessly or dangerously; driving while disqualified; and using an uninsured car and an unregistered car.

Magistrate Julie Soars denied the fresh application for bail, ordering him into custody where he will remain until next week.

READ ALSO:

He was arrested after a large-scale police operation on Thursday afternoon stretching from Tamworth to Werris Creek and out to Breeza.

Oxley police were first alerted to reports of the driving manner of a Holden Commodore that was travelling south on the New England Highway on the Moonbi Ranges, about 3.15pm.

Police spotted the sedan on Moore Creek Road headed towards Tamworth and tried to pull it over.

When it failed to stop, officers initiated a pursuit.

Police allege Smith was behind the wheel and hit speeds of up to 150km per hour in a 60km zone on Browns Lane.

Officers said they called off the chase because of safety concerns.

At 4.15pm, the Holden was involved in a second chase on the Gap Road at Werris Creek but that too was abandoned because of safety concerns.

Officers tracked the car and Smith and his female passenger were eventually arrested after they got out of the car off the Kamilaroi Highway near Breeza.

The pair were taken to Tamworth police station where Smith was charged. Officers said his passenger was released without charge.