Police tried to stop the vehicle on the New England Highway at Rutherford, after it was spotted displaying suspected stolen number plates.

The vehicle failed to stop, so police pursued it. The chase went through Rutherford and Telarah.

The offender lost control of the vehicle at the intersection of George and South streets at Telarah, crashing through the cemetery fence.

The vehicle drove across the top of several gravestones, causing significant damage.

The driver fled the scene but was arrested a short time later after the police dog squad tracked him.

Police said the vehicle was stolen from Islington.

The offender was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with seven offences including police pursuit, disqualified driver, drive vehicle without consent of owner, use vehicle with unauthorised number plates, drive recklessly, possess prohibited drug and trespass onto rail lines.

He was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court on Monday.