A MAN will face court after a pursuit through the Coalfields in the early hours of Friday.
Police patrolling in Kurri Kurri attempted to stop a Holden Commodore ute for a random breath test about 4.15am.
The vehicle sped away from police and officers began a pursuit.
The chase lasted about 25 kilometres, allegedly reaching speeds of 160km/h in an area signposted 100km/h.
Police said the vehicle turned onto Wine Country Drive before stalling near the Tuckers Lane intersection.
Two people, a man and woman, fled the utility on foot.
Officers established a perimeter with the help of dog unit specialists, finding a 35-year-old man "hiding in shrubbery" on Tuckers Lane a short time later.
The North Rothbury man was arrested and taken to Cessnock police station.
The man was charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously, use vehicle in contravention of major defect notice, and three counts of unlawfully possess number plates.
He was refused bail to face Cessnock Local Court, where he was formally denied bail.
He will re-appear in the same court on August 25.
The woman was arrested but released without charge pending further inquiries.
