Justin Hull, 24, of Spring Dam Road, appeared in the online division of the Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with offences, including aggravated burglary and theft of motor vehicles.

He successfully applied for bail after showing exceptional circumstances why he should be released from custody, which magistrate Mark Stratmann said included potential court delays due to COVID-19 and "increased anxiety" in the prison system, as well as limited rehabilitative services, reduced access to family visits and lockdowns.

Mr Hull was released on strict-conditional bail and will appear in court again on August 24.

Detective Sergeant Jason Von Tunk, of the Portland police crime investigation unit, alleged Mr Hull stole a 2017 Honda CRV during a terrifying home invasion in Portland on March 3.

He told the court the victim was asleep on the couch about 10.45pm when she felt someone touching her and woke up.

"She saw two males in the house before they exited through the back door," he said.

He said the offenders stole the woman's vehicle, as well as a set of keys, a dog lead and a mobile phone that was resting on her lap as she slept.

Detective Sergeant Von Tunk said the stolen Honda was found abandoned the following day.

"The vehicle was found severely damaged after it hit a tree on the Henty Highway, about one kilometre north of Heywood," he said.

"The offenders left before police arrived at the scene."

The detective alleged Mr Hull's mobile phone and blood were found inside the car.

Then on March 4, Mr Hull allegedly stole a grey 2014 Toyota RAV4 from Heywood's Edgar Street.

Detective Sergeant Von Tunk said the victim was parked outside an opportunity shop and left the car running as she dashed to drop bags of clothes off for donation.

He alleged Mr Hull later rang his corrections officer, said he was in trouble and had taken a women's car from Heywood.

Mr Hull was arrested at a property in Portland's Pile Court.

The court heard an analysis of his mobile phone revealed photos and videos of him injecting methamphetamine and cocaine with a syringe.

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.