Accused chase driver will spend Christmas behind bars

Ricky Stewart, 25, faced the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Thursday via videolink from custody, charged with theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving while being pursued, conduct endangering life and numerous other traffic offences.

According to the police summary, Stewart was allegedly seen driving a silver Audi on the Western Freeway near Bacchus Marsh by Highway Patrol officers on Wednesday afternoon.

Driving erratically at speed, officers allege the car overtook other vehicles using the emergency lane, so lights were activated to intercept.

It's alleged Stewart failed to stop, instead accelerating away from police - a speed detector recorded an alleged speed of 173km/h.

The police Air Wing was called in, with the car tracked to Ballarat, allegedly overtaking more vehicles in the emergency lane.

Police then allege Stewart drove "throughout the Ballarat area at high speed, on the wrong side of the road and at times on the footpath".

The car stopped to let out two passengers about 4.45pm, while police continued tracking it to Sebastopol, where it's alleged Stewart stole petrol from a service station before being arrested in Orion Street.

Stewart's probationary licence had been suspended at the time, and the car, which had fraudulent number plates attached, had been stolen from Corio on December 16.

The court was told Stewart had difficulties with relapsing into methamphetamine addiction following a difficult year for his family, including a relationship breakdown and his mother becoming seriously ill.

However, police said the timing of the offending was serious.

"He's driving a vehicle at 3.20pm, so it's not like it in early hours of morning, on December 23, a very busy time, especially at this time of year, to be driving at 160 to 170km, I don't think I need to say any more in regard to how serious that is," the prosecutor said.

Magistrate Jo Metcalfe said the risk of reoffending could not be mitigated without secure supports in place - Stewart would not be able to engage with services until Tuesday at the earliest.

"I think he's clearly someone who wants to do something about his issues, but at the moment - there's a lack of proper information about what will be put in place and when," she said.

"There would be a good chance of bail being granted if there were elaborations before the court about who's engaged when and what's being provided."

Speaking directly to the court, Stewart apologised for his actions, saying he "made a stupid decision".

He will return to court on January 15.

Stewart's alleged co-accused, James Nunn, 22, was charged with theft of a motor vehicle and bailed to reappear in court on April 29 under strict conditions.

According to Victoria Police media, a 25-year-old Ballarat woman was interviewed and released pending further enquiries.