Mr Papworth, 54, of Telarah, was convicted in his absence and fined $500, but Magistrate John Chicken stopped short of issuing a warrant for his arrest. Two days later police allege it was Mr Papworth who was behind the wheel of a Toyota Corolla that stopped briefly for highway patrol officers on Adelaide Street at Raymond Terrace before accelerating away.

Police gave chase and Mr Papworth's Toyota allegedly reached speeds of about 140km/h in a 50km/h zone. The Toyota stopped on Charles Street and the driver fled on foot and disappeared.

On Sunday about 11pm, police allege it was Mr Papworth again behind the wheel of a Hyundai Santa Fe that officers attempted to stop in Raymond Terrace Road, Chisholm for a random breath test.

When the Hyundai failed to stop, police initiated a pursuit that sped through Thornton and Millers Forster, again allegedly reaching estimated speeds of 140km/h.

The Hyundai eventually stopped at a home in Woodberry, where Mr Papworth and a woman, 42, were arrested. Police said Mr Papworth underwent an oral fluid test which returned a positive result for methamphetamine and cannabis.

He was later charged with 10 offences, including two counts of police pursuit, driving while disqualified, escaping police custody and two counts of possession of a prohibited drug.

On Monday, when the pursuit matters were listed before Magistrate Chicken in Newcastle Local Court, Mr Papworth did not enter any pleas or apply for bail.

The matter was adjourned to Maitland Local Court on Wednesday.