Man charged for police pursuit spanning Campbelltown to Wollongong

A man driving a red van allegedly failed to stop for police at Campbelltown before being spotted by Polair at Wollongong, with the ensuing police pursuit ending after a series of collisions.

A man driving a red van allegedly failed to stop for police in Sydney’s southwest before being spotted by Polair at Wollongong, with the ensuing police pursuit ending after a series of collisions.

Desmond Sparkes-Cameron was allegedly behind the wheel of the van when police attempted to stop it shortly before 2pm in Campbelltown.

However, it is alleged the driver failed to stop and the officers lost sight of the vehicle.

With assistance from Polair, the car was sighted at Wollongong where a pursuit began, but was quickly terminated for safety reasons.

A short time later, the van was located on Park Rd, Helensburgh, following collisions with several civilian and police vehicles.

Sparkes-Cameron, 29, was taken to Wollongong Hospital for assessment while the passenger – a 34-year-old woman – has been taken to Wollongong police station where she is assisting police with inquiries.

Footage of the incident at Wollongong. Picture: TikTok

A man was arrested on Tuesday afternoon. Picture: TikTok

On his release from hospital, Sparkes-Cameron was charged with 12 offences including driving dangerously in a police pursuit, predatory driving, and using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention.

He has also been charged with seven counts of not giving particulars to other driver, drive recklessly or furiously in a speed or manner dangerous and never licensed person driving a vehicle on the road.

Sparkes-Cameron, of Port Macquarie, appeared in Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday where he was denied bail by Magistrate Claire Girotto.

The court heard he is currently on a community correction order and has an extensive criminal history relating to domestic violence, traffic and intimidation of police offending.

The court also heard Sparkes-Cameron is diagnosed with schizophrenia, depression and ADHD.

The magistrate concurred with the accused showed a “blatant disregard” for public safety and was likely to receive a custodial sentence if convicted of the fresh set of charges.

Anyone with information into the incident, CCTV footage or dashcam vision is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.