Andrew George Barry pleads guilty to a police pursuit and smashing up vehicle with axe

A man with a penchant for axes and high on ice tried to evade police in a dramatic chase just days after he smashed up two cars with the same type of weapon.

Andrew Barry engaged in a short police pursuit in February. Picture: iStock

It was a tip-off from an anonymous caller that involved a traffic incident and a man armed with an axe.

That man was Andrew George Barry from Karuah who would then try to evade police in an unsuccessful attempt which lasted a mere seven seconds.

Police facts said police spotted the 35-year-old driving a Ford Territory on Five Islands Rd, Speers Point at 9.35am on February 29.

Court documents revealed a short chase started before Barry crossed onto the wrong side of the road and collided heavily with one vehicle travelling south bound on Seventh Ave, Boolaroo and then hitting another stationary vehicle.

The blow destroyed the front wheels of Barry’s car and forced him to flee, with an officer chasing him as he jumped fences and disappeared into neighbouring properties.

A witness called the police after seeing Barry with an axe. Picture: iStock

Police facts state the officer went back to search Barry’s vehicle and seized a small axe.

But despite escaping from police Barry soon returned to the scene and was placed under arrest before being taken to Toronto Police Station.

A breath and drug test would later reveal he was under the influence of methamphetamine.

He was charged with police pursuit – drive manner dangerous, drive whilst disqualified, drive under the influence and custody of a weapon in a public place.

But after his arrest Barry also copped additional charges for an incident five days earlier where he smashed up a car with an axe.

Police facts said about 11.30am on February 24 Barry pulled up at a home in Raymond Terrace and smashed the rear window of a vehicle with a man inside he knew before he punched him.

Court documents said he then went back to his car and retrieved an axe to smash the back window and driver’s side door before he swung – but missed – striking the driver.

“F--ken dog,” he yelled according to police facts. He then fled.

He was also charged with common assault, reckless damage to property and armed with a weapon to commit an indictable offence.

In Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday Barry pleaded guilty to all charges and his cases were adjourned until February when a sentence date will be set in the District Court.