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NSW man refuses to appear in court after alleged high-speed chase in stolen Ford Mustang

NSW man refuses to appear in court after alleged high-speed chase in stolen Ford Mustang

A man accused of attacking a woman with an axe, stealing her Mustang sports car and running her over with it before leading police on a high-speed chase in the New South Wales has "refused" to leave his cell to face court.
South Coast man Caleb Flentjar, 25, has been charged with multiple offences after allegedly leading police on a high-speed, 50-kilometre pursuit from Nowra to Kiama on Saturday.
The 66-year-old owner of the car remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
Today the Bail Division Court heard Mr Flentjar had "refused to see legal and refused to leave his cell" at Wollongong Police Station.
His lawyer Cassie Lee told the court her client did not meet with her.
"He refuses to see me and presumably anyone else," she said.
Magistrate Daniel Covington confirmed the refusal with corrective services at Wollongong Police Station and then set July 22 as the next date for the accused to appear online at Nowra Local Court.
"As for what has been relayed, he doesn't want to leave his cell or make an application … then I will note bail not applied for and bail refused," Magistrate Covington said.
Mr Flentjar is charged with custody of knife in public place, two counts of use offensive weapon to prevent lawful apprehension and two counts of fail to stop at accident and render assistance.
He has also been charged with drive whilst disqualified, pursuit, exceed speed over 45kph and goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen and larceny.
Mr Flentjar is facing additional charges regarding three outstanding domestic violence-related offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV).
The 25-year-old has been in custody since his release from hospital on Sunday following treatment for minor injuries.
Police allege Mr Flentjar reached speeds of up to 180kph through 80kph zones as he wound his way up the M1 Princes Motorway on the wrong side of the road.
It is alleged the chase came to an end when the Mustang crashed into a ute at Kiama Downs.
Prior to that police had unsuccessfully attempted to halt the vehicle using tyre spikes.
Police said members of the public stopped Mr Flentjar from fleeing on foot by "holding him down" until they arrived.
The driver of the ute was taken to hospital.
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