John Westaway was arrested on Friday, November 21 and charged with an outstanding warrant as well as driving recklessly, driving while disqualified, resisting arrest, supplying a prohibited drug and being in possession of an unregistered firearm.  

Westaway appeared at Queanbeyan Local Court this afternoon and did not apply for bail.

His solicitor Nilusha Pajapakse told the court her client would not enter pleas as he was still considering the facts in the case.

Magistrate Chris Bone formally refused bail and adjourned the case for two weeks.

Queanbeyan Police allege Westaway along with a 22-year-old male passenger were travelling in excess of the speed limit on Burra Road, Burra at about 11.05pm last Friday.

Police attached to the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command activated their warning devices. However, the vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated.  

The vehicle reached speeds of up to 150 km/h before a tyre deflation device was deployed causing one of the vehicle’s front tyres to deflate.  

The vehicle continued to travel along Burra Road into London Bridge Road where the driver lost control of the vehicle.

Police approached the vehicle and after a short struggle arrested the driver and his passenger.  

Police searched the vehicle and located a loaded pistol on the dashboard and about 20 grams of a white powder believed to be amphetamine. 

The driver was conveyed to the Queanbeyan Police Station where he was charged and remained in custody.

Investigations are continuing into the involvement of the 22-year-old passenger who was taken to Queanbeyan Hospital on the night with a minor laceration to his head.

The injury is believed to have occurred as a consequence of the vehicle leaving the roadway.