Accused car thieves face court after alleged joyride came to an end north of Geraldton

Two young adults who were arrested after an alleged police chase north of Geraldton faced court on Tuesday over a range of charges. It is alleged Jason Clarkson was driving the Silver Mitsubishi Outlander, which was stolen from South Headland, when Geraldton police spotted the stolen vehicle driving south along North West Coastal Highway heading towards Geraldton about 2pm on Monday. Police attempted to stop the vehicle, with a short pursuit ensuing near White Peak Road, close to Buller. Six alleged offenders were inside the stolen vehicle when police stopped the vehicle and arrested the occupants, including four juveniles. Mr Clarkson was charged with three counts of stealing a motor vehicle, two counts of stealing, one count of never holding a driver’s licence, breach of protective bail conditions, driver wearing seatbelt with passengers 16 years or over unrestrained and possessing a prohibited drug. Prosecutor Sen. Const. Beau Jones alleged the 18-year-old stole a white Mitsubishi and 46 litres of petrol from Shell Karratha on July 3. On July 4, it is alleged he stole 167 litres of fuel, a white Mitsubishi and the silver Outlander while engaging in reckless driving to escape pursuit. His matter has been adjourned until Friday, July 15 and bail was not considered. Nigel James Edwards, a passenger in the car, was charged with three counts of stealing a motor vehicle and two counts of stealing. Police allege the 19-year-old stole a white Mitsubishi, a silver Mitsubishi Outlander and 46 litres of unleaded petrol in Karratha on July 3. Mr Edwards was serving a term of detention of 18 months from November 2020 and his supervised release order expired in May. The court was told he currently resided with his grandmother in South Headland and had applied to do an engineering course at TAFE. Sen. Const. Jones said Mr Edwards was mostly compliant with his supervision order, but he did miss his most recent appointment which was unexplained. Sen. Const Jones said moving his address to South Headland without prior approval was a further breach of conditions. Police opposed bail, believing no conditions could be put in place to supervise him. Magistrate Angus Hockton said the risk of reoffending meant Mr Edwards was not suitable for bail, however, if he received evidence of the TAFE course that would factor into his decision. The matter has been adjourned until Monday next week with Mr Edwards to appear via video link.