NSW cop 'assaulted' driver after chase

A NSW police officer has been charged with assaulting a driver who led police on a car chase earlier this year.

The senior constable is accused of assaulting the 29-year-old man while arresting him after the pursuit in the Hunter region on January 27.

The driver had allegedly sped away after being stopped by highway patrol officers in Waratah, leading to a chase that ended when the car crashed into a brick wall in the nearby suburb of Hamilton.

He was charged with several offences including dangerous driving.

A female passenger was given a notice to appear in court on a drug possession charge.

Police said the arresting officer was served on Tuesday with a notice to attend court at Newcastle on August 11 on charges of assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He has been suspended with pay.