Updated November 20, 2023:
The man who was allegedly found with a sawn-off rifle and ammunition following a serious collision in Bakery Hill has been denied bail in the Ballarat Magistrates' Court.
Tristan Stringer was arrested on July 25, after he allegedly led police on a pursuit across Ballarat while driving a stolen car, before being involved in a serious collision on the corner of Victoria Street and Queen Street in Bakery Hill.
After fleeing the crash, he was arrested by police while allegedly in possession of .22 calibre ammunition, $300 cash, a knife and methamphetamine.
A sawn-off rifle was later found in the car Stringer had allegedly abandoned.
Stringer's lawyer said their client had spent 117 days in prison and should be grated bail as that term could be equal to any prison sentence he may receive for the offending.
They said he also had family support, stable accommodation and employment opportunities if he was released from custody.
Magistrate Hugh Radford denied Stringer bail owing to the significant risk he posed to the community.
He said Stringer had an extensive criminal history, and was likely to receive an extended prison sentence if found guilty.
"A significant term of imprisonment may be imposed," he said.
"It may far well exceed presentence detention."
The matter will return to court for a contested hearing on January 8, 2024.
Earlier:
A man allegedly found with a sawn-off rifle and ammunition following a car crash and police chase will fight the charges brought against him.
Tristan Stringer, 24, appeared via video link from prison at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Thursday, to contest charges resulting from an alleged July 26 incident.
According to police, Stringer was seen by officers getting into an allegedly stolen LandCruiser ute with false plates outside a property on Sherrard Street, Ballarat North on the evening of July 26.
When officer approached, Stringer allegedly took off - with police calling in a helicopter to follow.
After allegedly driving "erratically" across Ballarat for almost an hour, Stringer was allegedly seen getting into a Ford station wagon.
This vehicle was involved in a crash about midnight at the corner of Victoria Street and Queen Street in Bakery Hill.
Police allege Stringer fled from the crash, jumping fences, and was found hiding under a car.
He was arrested, with a search allegedly revealing six grams of meth and an ecstasy tablet, $300 cash, a flick-knife, and 15 .22 rifle rounds.
When police searched the vehicle Stringer allegedly fled from, they found a sawn-off .22 rifle in the rear seat footwell.
At Thursday's hearing, a lawyer for Stringer sought more disclosure from the police regarding their case and witness statements.
The lawyer said Stringer will plead not guilty to some, if not most of the charges.
The matter was booked in for a contested hearing on January 8, 2024.
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