Driver in deadly NSW pursuit charged

The driver who allegedly led NSW police on a wild chase that resulted in the death of a sergeant was banned from driving for life in 2000.

Police arrested the 34-year-old at Maitland on Monday after he allegedly led officers on a chase through the Hunter Valley on Saturday night.

Father of two, Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, 43, was killed on his way to assist the pursuit when his car ran off the road and hit a tree at Allandale.

The chase ended with the driver last seen at Greta.

However, police say they arrested the man about 1pm on Monday following investigations.

"Checks of the man's licence status revealed he had been disqualified from driving for life in 2000," a police statement said.

He has been charged with a string of offences, including two counts of police pursuit, driving in a dangerous manner, exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h, driving whilst disqualified, and using unauthorised plates.

The man was refused bail to appear in the Maitland Local Court on Tuesday.

Sgt Richardson had an 18-year career in the police force and was described as a highly respected officer.

He left behind his wife, who is a serving NSW police officer, and two young sons.

The police union and the charity Police Legacy have set up a fund to support the Richardson family.

An internal investigation will probe the circumstances of the crash.