A MAN is behind bars accused of a knife-point break-in before leading police on a chase overnight.
Dylan Kayne Jones was arrested at Abermain, in the Hunter Valley, about 10.30pm last night after officers deployed road road spikes to bring him to a stop.
The 23-year-old fronted Cessnock Local Court for the first time on Thursday after a string of charges were levelled against him.
Police were called to a unit on Subiaco Avenue at Cessnock about 8.30pm on Wednesday, January 11, after reports of an altercation.
A 51-year-old man living at the property told officers a man had entered through a window and threatened him with a knife.
Police homed in on the alleged assailant after extensive inquiries.
Hunter Valley officers were patrolling Mount View Road at Cessnock about 10.30pm when they said they tried to stop a Toyota Corolla.
A pursuit was sparked, with a passenger also in the car, and continued towards Abermain, police said.
Road spikes were deployed and the Corolla was brought to a stop a short time later.
Officers searched the car and claim several items of interest were discovered, including an unauthorised number plate, identification cards and bank cards suspected of being stolen, and a substance believed to be cannabis.
Jones was allegedly behind the wheel at the time and was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
His passenger was released without incident, police said.
Jones was not required to enter pleas to several charges, including armed break-and-enter, police pursuit, using an unauthorised number plate, and possessing a prohibited drug.
Police further allege the Merrylands man was driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle on the road at the time.
He made no application for release and bail was formally refused.
Jones will front court again in Newcastle in March.
