MAN CHARGED OVER PURSUIT WHICH LED TO THE DEATH OF A POLICE OFFICER
A 34-year-old man, who has been banned from driving for life has been charged over two weekend pursuits, one of which led to the death of a police officer.
It’s alleged the accused failed to stop while driving a white Ford Falcon sedan on Ken Tubman Drive in Maitland last Saturday night, and a pursuit was initiated.
The pursuit lasted for about 30 minutes before being terminated.
The car was again spotted near Cessnock and a second pursuit was initiated.
43 -year-old Sergeant Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson was on his way to assist colleagues when his vehicle left Lovedale Road, Allandale and crashed into a tree. Sergeant Richardson died at the scene, the pursuit ended and the wanted vehicle was last seen on Elderslie Road, Greta.
Following further investigations, 34, year-old Paul Robert Johnson was charged at Maitland yesterday with a number of driving offences. He appeared in Maitland court today where he was remanded in custody. It was revealed he’d been banned from driving for life in 2000.
