Alleged screwdriver-wielding carjacker arrested after vehicle found in flames

This car was found in flames on the Princes Highway after an alleged carjacking in Bega on 25 March. Photo: NSW Police.

A man allegedly wielded a screwdriver when committing a carjacking on the NSW Far South Coast, before the vehicle was later found in flames on the Princes Highway.

It is alleged the man stole the screwdriver from a store in Carp Street, Bega on Tuesday (25 March), a NSW Police spokesperson originally said.

That evening, he allegedly brandished it when threatening an 18-year-old woman in her SUV, before pulling her out of the vehicle and driving away.

Police soon found the SUV about 15 km away to the north, near the intersection of the Princes Highway and Upper Cobargo Road in Brogo.

It was already in flames when the officers arrived at the scene.

“Rural Fire Service attended and extinguished the fire, believed to be caused by a mechanical issue,” the police spokesperson said.

Matthew John Scott, a 37-year-old from the Eurobodalla, was arrested nearby and faced the Bega Local Court on Wednesday (26 March) over the allegations.

He pleaded guilty to charges of assault with intent to take and drive a motor vehicle, taking and driving a conveyance without consent, shoplifting and unlicenced driving.

The SUV was already in flames when police arrived at the scene. Photo: NSW Police.

Scott made no application for bail and it was formally refused by Magistrate Doug Dick.

The matter was adjourned for a mention in the Bega Local Court on 29 April.

Scott will face court via an audio-visual link.