NSW Police allege disqualified driver led highway patrol officers on wild M1 pursuit, refused drug and alcohol testing

Police say a disqualified driver with a history of running from the law travelled the wrong way down the motorway during a high speed chase near Byron.

The aftermath of a police chase near Byron Bay. Photo: NSW Police.

Police allege a disqualified driver from Ballina with a history of running from the law travelled the wrong way down the motorway during a chase near Byron Bay.

Alex John St Clair, 26, faced Byron Local Court on January 1 charged with dangerous driving and not stopping during a police pursuit.

NSW Police highway patrol officers were patrolling in Brunswick Heads about 1am on January 1, New Year’s Day.

Officers spotted a white Ford ute travelling along Tweed Street, Brunswick Heads without its headlights on, it’s alleged.

The ute was pulled over, but it’s alleged when police got out of the car St Clair - who was allegedly driving the ute - sped off towards the Pacific Motorway.

The aftermath of a wild police chase near Byron Bay. Picture: NSW Police.

Tweed Byron LAC said in a statement that officers pursued the ute south along the motorway before a tyre on the vehicle burst, impacting its speed and steering.

The St Clair allegedly crossed the grass embankment dividing traffic, drove on the wrong side of the road and ditched the ute before he and a passenger fled from the area.

St Clair and and a 43-year-old man from Toukley were found in nearby bushes and arrested.

St Clair was taken to Byron Bay Police Station and allegedly refused a blood test for drugs or alcohol.

The ute by the side of the motorway. Photo: NSW Police.

He was charged with one count each of police Pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously second offence, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period second offence, refuse to submit to taking of blood sample, refuse to produce Australian drivers licence and not complying with headlight standard.

Police said the passenger had three outstanding arrest warrants and was caught with “several cutting weapons”. He was taken to the same police station and charged with carry cutting weapon upon apprehension

The ute was towed from the motorway at the expense of the driver.

The driver and passenger were refused bail to face Byron Bay Local Court on January 9.

Originally published as NSW Police allege disqualified driver led highway patrol officers on wild M1 pursuit, refused drug and alcohol testing