The decision was made at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Friday after Adam Sandlant applied for bail on Wednesday.

Police informant Detective Senior Constable Joshua James Coy told the court police pulled Sandlant over in September after checks showed his registration had expired and licence was disqualified.

When police approached his vehicle and attempted to talk to him, it is alleged he sped down Peel Street on the wrong side of the road.

Detective Senior Constable Coy said Sandlant left petrol stations without paying for fuel four times in November, once when he was a passenger in a car with stolen number plates.

It is alleged he pawned a gold-plated trumpet that was stolen from a Yandoit property in November.

The court heard he evaded police on a second occasion in November, speeding away after police activated lights and sirens.

Sandlant was arrested on December 13. The alleged offending occurred while he was on a community corrections order and was disqualified from driving.

Police opposed bail believing Sandlant was an unacceptable risk of continuing to commit theft offences, dangerous driving and evading police.

Defence lawyer Manny Brennan said supported and supervised accommodation was available with Sandlant's mother in Portarlington.

He said Sandlant also had the opportunity to work with his father's business Daylesford Floor Coverings.

Mr Brennan said a Court Integrated Services Program report was available to support his drug rehabilitation and mental health issues.

"There are ample conditions that could be imposed that could alleviate the risk to an acceptable level," he said.

"It is my submission the risk that is alleged is an acceptable one."

Magistrate Ron Saines said there was a strong prosecution case with evidence including CCTV footage and it was likely the charges would be proven.

"The offending concerns persistent driving while disqualified and on two occasions he elected to abscond from police while driving... in one of those occasions in a manner that was somewhat confronting," he said.

"The accused is not the first person to take advantage of the non-pursuit policy by police."

Mr Saines said although compelling reasons for bail may be met, the risks of further offending and to the public safety were substantial.

"This man's prior history includes driving while suspended on six occasions - the likelihood of him abstaining from driving is small," he said.

"The pattern of driving and taking unlawful steps to avoid arrest has continued and the risks of the continuation of this pattern of conduct are unacceptable.

"I am not persuaded any bail conditions not to drive can reduce the risk."

Sandlant was denied bail.

Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.