A man charged with more than 20 offences including domestic violence, kidnapping and evading police has been refused bail in Newcastle Local Court.

Kirt Field was arrested on Friday. Police had been searching for the 37-year-old, from Maitland, since March.

He is accused of assaulting a woman, kidnapping her and holding her against her will.

Mr Field is also accused of assaulting police and ramming two police cars after a pursuit.

He is facing a total of 23 charges.

His solicitor Saeed Saadie said Mr Field would like to obtain further legal advice to contest the charges.

Mr Saadie said his client was homeless and was self-medicating a “complex mental health issue” with cannabis and ice.

Prosecutor Josh McIlveen argued against the bail application.

He said there were “concerns for the safety of the community” and “concerns about him leaving the state”.

Bail was denied and the case will return to Maitland court on Monday.