Kevin Clarke refused bail on charges of common assault, failing to stop for police

A Canberra roofer who spent time on remand for driving at police during a wild police pursuit on three wheels is back in jail for allegedly assaulting a woman.

Kevin Thomas Clarke leaving the ACT Supreme Court on a previous occasion. Picture: Sam Turner

A Kambah man who previously spent time on remand for driving at police during a wild police pursuit on three wheels has been refused bail on similar charges.

Kevin Thomas Clarke spent months on remand after he drove at police during a dangerous cop chase in 2022, and faces more time behind bars on fresh offences following an alleged bail breach.

In the ACT Magistrates Court on Tuesday, the 44-year-old faced additional charges of failing to stop for police, driving disqualified and aggravated common assault. He made a tilt at bail following his arrest on Monday.

Police facts tendered to the court say Clarke allegedly went to a woman’s home on February 8 and was seen driving out of the street by police when they blocked his path. They then activated their sirens to signal him to stop.

Kevin Thomas Clarke was arrested on Monday.

Clarke allegedly stopped and reversed heavily at speed away from police, clipping the kerb before he accelerated further into the apartment complex with officers following.

Officers decided to exit their vehicle and prepared to deploy tyre deflation devices in the event the Kambah man returned up the street.

Police allege Clarke drove down the street through an open gate, which led onto a nature strip where he continued to drive on the grass before he left his car and fled the scene.

He was arrested by police on Monday after police allege he breached his bail for common assault by contacting the complainant indirectly through a neighbour.

Clarke is in custody.

Prosecutor Estelle Narouz pushed for Clarke’s bail to be revoked, where she alleged he “mentally manipulated” the victim.

The court heard Clarke hoped to clinch conditional liberty, claiming he did not fully understand his previous bail conditions.

Clarke’s defence lawyer said the full time roofer was aware he could lose his liberty if he breached bail again.

Chief magistrate Lorraine Walker refused bail, citing Clarke’s criminal history which included driving offences where he drove at police during a high speed pursuit on three wheels.

Ms Walker said on first glance, his charges weren’t the most serious but with his criminal history the prosecution’s concerns became “very clear”.

“He continues to (allegedly) offend in a similar way,” Ms Walker said.

Clarke was led away back to the Alexander Maconochie Centre.