Anthony Daniel Mciver, 20, stole a car in Canberra before driving it more than 490km to Bulahdelah where witnesses saw him acting suspiciously around 5.15pm last Tuesday.

Forster general duties police found the man 45 minutes later travelling north at high speeds in Failford.

A pursuit ensued at speeds of between 155 and 160kph before the man lost control of his vehicle spearing into an embankment at the Taree exit.

He fled the car on foot and was followed by police who subdued him with capsicum spray following a violent struggle.

A breath test confirmed he was driving with a high range pca of 0.175.

He appeared in Forster Local Court on Wednesday where he pleaded guilty to six charges including an outstanding warrant, stealing a vehicle, high range pca, dangerous driving, resisting arrest and driving while disqualified.