THREE Tamworth teenagers as young as 13 are accused of leading police on a pursuit of more than 60km and travelling at more than double the speed limit in a stolen car.
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Officers allege a Holden Apollo was stolen from a Mack St home on Sunday night.
A highway patrol officer in South Tamworth allegedly tried to pull the car over but when it didn’t stop, a pursuit ensued shortly after midnight.
The pursuit wound through the streets of South Tamworth where the stolen car was allegedly clocked at speeds between 90km/h and 110km/h in a 50km/h zone.
Senior police say the car then turned onto Werris Creek Rd and officers continued to give chase with the car alleged to have travelled at speeds approaching the speed limit in the 100km/h zone.
The three youths allegedly drove as far as Werris Creek with the officers hot on their tail and the pursuit continued through the suburban streets of the village.
Police say the car turned around and travelled back towards Tamworth but hit mechanical trouble on the outskirts of Currabubula and veered off the road, crashing into a fence.
The three boys, aged 13, 14 and 15, were arrested at the scene after a short foot pursuit.
They were taken to Tamworth police station and between them were charged with offences including Skye’s Law, breach of bail and being conveyed in a stolen car.
All three were refused bail but were in a bail hearing in Tamworth Children’s Court yesterday.
The 13-year-old, believed to be the driver of the vehicle, was refused bail at an appearance in Tamworth Children’s Court yesterday, while the 14-year-old boy was granted conditional bail.
A 15-year-old boy who pleaded guilty received a good behaviour bond.
The matters have been adjourned until October 14.
Senior Sergeant Peter McMenamin of Western Region Highway Patrol yesterday said the incident was “totally ludicrous and should never have happened”.
“Any driving behaviour in a manner which is dangerous that warrants police engaging in a pursuit is a breach of the traffic legislation as it is,” he said.
“Then to carry on and breach further laws and drive in that sort of manner not only endangers the lives of those in the car but the general public and police as well.
“People need to think about their actions before contemplating leading police on a pursuit.”
