 A WEST Australian man who allegedly led police on a high speed pursuit after car jacking a taxi in Robertson was three times over the drink-driving limit, police said.
Bradd Thatcher, of Young Street, Baldivis, WA, pleaded not guilty to six charges stemming from the Tuesday night incident in Goulburn Local Court on Wednesday. He was refused bail to re-appear on February 3.
The 33-year-old is accused of hitting a taxi driver and stealing his taxi before reaching speeds of up to 140kmh in a 60kmh zone. Police terminated their pursuit shortly before the stolen vehicle reached the Hume Highway at Sutton Forest.
Police said the taxi crashed into a guardrail a few kilometres south of Goulburn after two truck drivers ran the taxi off the road as it tried to overtake them.
The drivers allegedly detained Mr Thatcher until police arrived after he tried to flee into a nearby paddock.
He later recorded a blood-alcohol reading of 0.165, police said.
Mr Thatcher was charged with assault with intent to take/drive a motor vehicle, high range drink-driving, dangerous driving, driving with a cancelled licence, not stopping when directed and possession of methamphetamine.
The 44-year-old Moss Vale taxi driver, from Southern Highlands Taxis in Mittagong, told police he picked up Mr Thatcher in Roe Street, Moss Vale, at around 8.50pm on Tuesday night and drove him to Robertson when they became involved in a dispute.
Mr Thatcher was asleep when the taxi arrived at Robertson shortly after 9pm and police were called to assist the driver, the taxi driver said.
But before police arrived Mr Thatcher allegedly hit the driver in the mouth outside of the taxi before stealing it.
Police attempted to stop the taxi at Moss Vale on the Illawarra Highway, but due to the high speeds the taxi was driving at in a residential area the chase was terminated near the Hume Highway.
The taxi driver was treated for minor injuries at Bowral Hospital.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Chris Toole told the court that Mr Thatcher was “never ever” in a position to pay the cab fare, having approximately $2 in his pockets at the time of his arrest.
He added that the cab, which is now in “a very damaged condition”, was fitted with CCTV, the footage from which is to be viewed within the next fortnight.
Police alleged that powder, believed to be methamphetamine, was found on Mr Thatcher.
Sergeant Toole also said bail should not be granted due to Mr Thatcher’s links to a court in Western Australia.
“He is to appear in Western Australia, if not in the next few days then very shortly,” he said.
Mr Thatcher’s solicitor said his client would reside in Tumut with his mother if granted bail.
“She’s been there some 30 years,” he told the court.
Magistrate Geraldine Beattie refused the man bail, noting Mr Thatcher’s “ties to the state of Western Australia” and fears of further crimes being committed.
“The applicant has been charged with some very serious offences,” she said.
Mr Thatcher was due to appear in Perth’s Magistrate Court yesterday on a charge of obstructing a public officer.
He is due in the same court on February 23 for a trial hearing on charges of disorderly conduct and possession of methamphetamine.
He is also scheduled to appear in Midland Courthouse, northeast of Perth, for mention on charges of disorderly behaviour, assault and breaching an apprehended violence order on January 29.
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