Police allege driver almost doubled Stuart Hwy speed limit after drinking

A man who allegedly drove almost double the speed limit while under the influence of drugs and alcohol will be slapped with several charges.

Police pursued an alleged drink-driver. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

July 6: A man who was allegedly caught driving at almost double the speed limit with more than triple the legal alcohol limit in his system will face a string of charges.

Northern Watch Commander Brendan Molloy said the 32-year-old man was allegedly seen driving about 130km per hour in a 70 zone on the Stuart Hwy near RAAF Base Darwin at 10.51pm Friday.

Sergeant Molloy said police pursued the vehicle, which allegedly “clipped” a roundabout curb and damaged its front wheel.

He alleged the vehicle continued leading police on a chase, but at a slowed pace below the speed limit.

Sergeant Molloy said police allegedly followed the driver down the Stuart Hwy, Parap Rd, and East Point Rd before using tyre deflation devices to stop the vehicle on Gardens Hill Rd.

He said the man allegedly fled on foot but was arrested and taken to the Palmerston Watch House.

Sergeant Molloy alleged the man returned a 0.162 blood alcohol reading and testing also confirmed he had been smoking cannabis.

He said the man had allegedly never held a driver’s licence in Australia and was found with a small amount of cannabis in his possession.

Sergeant Molloy said the man would be slapped with a string of charges on Saturday morning including driving at a speed dangerous to the public, driving vehicle in a dangerous manner during pursuit, driving unlicensed, driving with a high range blood alcohol content, driving with a prohibited drug in the body, and possessing a less than trafficable quantity of a schedule two drug.

He said no one was injured in the incident but it was a timely reminder that police could be “anywhere at any time” and Territorians would not be able to evade pursuits.

Popular restaurant faces 16th break-in, alcohol stolen

July 5: A man has been arrested after he allegedly broke into a Darwin restaurant and stole four bottles of alcohol.

Northern Watch Commander Brendan Molloy said police received reports the 20-year-old was allegedly using a fire extinguisher to break through Hanuman’s glass windows about 1.50am Thursday.

But Sergeant Molloy alleged CCTV revealed the man had instead used a rock to break the glass panel then used a traffic cone to push the broken glass in to avoid injury.

He said Territory Protective Services members allegedly followed the man to the rear of Monsoons after the incident, where police attended.

Sergeant Molloy said the man was allegedly carrying three one-litre bottles of spirits when he was arrested.

He said the man was taken to Palmerston Watch House where he would likely be charged with a number of property offences, with bail to be considered.

It is the latest in a string of break-ins at the popular fusion restaurant over the past six years.

In March, Hanuman’s restaurant managers were forced to take new security measures after the venue’s 15th break-in.

It is not alleged the man was involved in the previous incidents.

Originally published as Police allege driver almost doubled Stuart Hwy speed limit after drinking