A Warrnambool woman not long released from jail is back in custody after a dangerous police evade which reached speeds of 170km/h on the Princes Highway.
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Jessica Bugeja, 22, of no fixed address, appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court last week where she made a self-represented bail application.
She broke down in the dock, begging magistrate Michael Coghlan to release her from custody to live with her mother. She said she was willing to abide by strict bail conditions and wanted to seek help for her drug problem.
But the magistrate said it was not the first time Ms Bugeja had evaded police at speed and without a driver's licence.
"You are clearly an unacceptable risk of committing further offences while on bail and endangering the safety and welfare of members of the public, in particular emergency services," he said.
"You have shown no regard in relation to the directions of the police. I do not propose to give you bail."
Ms Bugeja was remanded in custody and will appear in court again on Friday.
The court heard on December 3, Ms Bugeja was observed driving a stolen Toyota BT Commodore south on the Princes Highway.
Police conducted a U-turn and activated their lights in an attempt to intercept the vehicle, which sped off in excess of 170km/h.
Ms Bugeja allegedly slowed down before slamming the brakes, causing the police vehicle to take evasive action, narrowly avoiding an oncoming truck.
The pursuit was abandoned for safety reasons.
Ms Bugeja was later located inside the vehicle which was parked at Gateway Church on Raglan Parade.
She denied driving but an associate told her to stop lying to the police. The conversation was captured on one of the officer's body-worn camera.
Ms Bugeja was arrested and taken to Warrnambool police station. A search of the vehicle located a quantity of GHB.
An analysis of her mobile phone revealed messages relating tot he sale of a litre of GHB.
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