Dane Adam Williams, 39, was charged after a female employee at Liquorland Cessnock was threatened with a knife just after 12.30pm and the alleged offender made off with cash.

Police said a 68-year-old man was then approached in the car park outside the bottle shop, threatened with a knife and told to give access to his car.

The 68-year-old refused, and the man left in an unknown vehicle.

About 10 minutes later, an 83-year-old man was at a service station on Allandale Street, Kearsley, when police claim Mr Williams pushed past him and tried to get in his car.

A struggle ensued, before it is alleged Mr Williams drove away in the elderly man's red sedan. The 83-year-old was treated by paramedics but did not require hospitalisation.

Police were called to both incidents and commenced inquiries.

Officers saw a red sedan on the M1 Motorway at John Renshaw Drive, Beresfield, just after 1pm.

The car continued south before being stopped on the motorway at Cameron Park. Police said no pursuit was initiated and Mr Williams was arrested.

He was charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon, aggravated take/drive motor vehicle with person in/on it-armed with weapon and aggravated take/drive motor vehicle with person in/on it - inflict actual bodily harm.

Mr Williams did not apply for bail when he briefly faced Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday.

He will remain in custody until his next court appearance, at Cessnock, on May 25.

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