Driver pleads not guilty to police pursuit from Robertson to Marulan

A man who allegedly led police on a chase from Robertson to Marulan – at one stage driving on the wrong side of the road – has pleaded not guilty to a raft of offences. Find out what happened.

A man who allegedly endangered road users with his reckless driving – involving driving on the wrong side of the road – has pleaded not guilty to a raft of offences.

Johnny Leatham, 35, appeared via audiovisual link at Goulburn Local Court on Wednesday for eight charges including allegedly leading police on a chase from the Southern Highlands to the Tablelands.

Police allege just after 9.30am on June 23 the Dapto local was spotted on Hoddle Street, Robertson driving in what was reportedly a stolen car.

Johnny Leatham, 35, pleaded not guilty to eight offences including leading police on a chase through the Southern Highlands and Tablelands. Picture: Google Maps

According to police allegations the officers attached to Traffic South signalled for him to stop the white Holden Commodore, however Mr Leatham allegedly failed to do so and a police pursuit was initiated.

Police claim due to safety concerns the chase came to a halt in Moss Vale, however picked up again when the vehicle was sighted on the Hume Highway at Sutton Forest.

Reportedly failing to stop again, the chase continued to Wingelo and Mr Leatham allegedly drove his car onto the wrong side of the road, leading the chase to once again be called off.

Shortly after 10am, the sedan was sighted by officers on the Hume Highway at Penrose and a third pursuit was initiated.

He allegedly drove onto the wrong side of the road again.

Road spikes were deployed near Uringalla Creek, Marulan and soon after, he was successfully stopped and arrested at around 10.30am.

On Mr Leatham’s alleged journey from Robertson to Marulan, officers had to start and stop police pursuits three times due to the dangerous nature of his driving. Picture: Google Maps

According to the documents tendered to the court, police seized 1.1 grams of methamphetamine, 5mg of a diazepam tablet and a knife from the sedan.

Mr Leatham was reportedly taken to Goulburn Hospital before being transported to Goulburn Police Station, where he was charged with three counts of recklessly driving in a police pursuit, driving under the influence, driving a vehicle without consent of the owner, possessing a prescribed restricted substance and having custody of a knife in a public place.

On Wednesday, Magistrate Geraldine Beattie ordered a brief to be served by August 17 and for Mr Leatham to appear via audiovisual link at Goulburn Local Court on September 7, where a hearing date will be set.

He remains bail refused.