A man is accused of instigating "inherently dangerous" police pursuits across the ACT-NSW borders and breaching Covid rules after police tracked him down for allegedly kicking a woman in the face.
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Kasey Tyson King, 21, was refused bail in the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday after he was charged with four counts of failing to stop for police and one count each of stealing a car, driving at police, dangerous driving and failing to comply with a health direction.
He is also facing burglary, theft, common assault and property charges related to a separate alleged incident.
The unemployed man, of McKellar, has not pleaded to the charges.
Police documents tendered to the court accuse him of stealing a grey Ford Ranger in Downer before instigating a police pursuit in Queanbeyan on Thursday morning.
About 11.30am that day, police were patrolling McKellar when they saw the Ranger at a premises at Grover Crescent before they activated their sirens and placed spike strips under the back wheels.
When Mr King revved the car and ignored directions to exit, police drew their Tasers.
He then allegedly sped off around the police car and nearly struck an officer who had to take evasive action.
Police then began a pursuit across McKellar, Giralang, Lyneham, Hackett, Dickson and other northern suburbs where Mr King allegedly mounted a curb, drove on footpaths, ran a red light and drove on the wrong side of the road numerous times at speed.
Police had to terminate the pursuit a number of times for safety reasons before re-engaging.
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About 30 minutes after the incident began, an unmarked police unit saw the Ranger in the Queanbeyan suburb of Karabar.
Mr King allegedly then drove the Ranger towards the police car, smashing into its rear and forcing it into a fence at a residence.
He then left the car and fled on foot, but police found him in a yard shortly after.
In court, defence lawyer Lauren Skinner said that while the charges were "no doubt serious", her client had strong community and family support, which would help him meet bail conditions.
"Given his youth, he should be at least given an opportunity to be granted bail," she said.
"Rehabilitation would be a key consideration."
Ms Skinner said Mr King was living with his mother and brother and that his significant criminal history was mostly due to children's court matters.
She said he was willing to abide by conditions, including a curfew, reporting to police, not drive and not contact the complainant related to the burglary and assault charges.
The court heard he was also willing to be supervised by Corrective Services and engage in support programs.
Prosecutor Alexandra Back opposed bail on the grounds of his likelihood of reoffending, endangering the community and the complainant and likelihood of failing to appear in court.
She said the alleged pursuit and dangerous driving were "inherently dangerous behaviour", which gave rise to the likelihood of endangering the community's safety if Mr King were released.
In relation to the other charges, Ms Back alleged it was "serious and sudden escalation in his violent behaviour" as he was already on good behaviour order for property damage.
Magistrate James Lawton agreed with the prosecutor, saying he could not be satisfied the conditions would prevent Mr King from "harassing or endangering the safety of anyone".
The accused is set to face court again on September 10.
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