AN L-PLATE driver clocked speeding at 144 kilometres per hour through one of Maldon's major thoroughfares while children waiting for their school bus looked on, has been refused bail.
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Neil Ashley McGrath, 44, appeared at Bendigo Magistrates Court on Thursday following his arrest on Wednesday.
The Maldon man is facing eight charges, including reckless conduct endangering life, dangerous driving while being pursued by police, driving at a speed dangerous and evading police.
Police allege McGrath exceeded the 100 kilometre per hour zone on Castlemaine-Maldon Road by more than 40 kilometres during the morning rush hour on Tuesday.
Senior Constable David Rose told the court when he saw McGrath's car speeding towards him about 8.18am, he turned on the police car's flashing lights and indicated for the driver to pull over.
When the driver failed to do so, the officer pursued the car for several hundred metres before terminating the chase due to safety concerns, the court heard.
Senior Constable Rose said the driver, who was known to police, held a learner's permit but did not have a supervising driver with him at the time of the alleged offending.
He said the offences occurred at the busiest time of day for traffic and was observed by groups of children waiting alongside the road for school buses.
The court heard McGrath had an extensive driving and criminal history including convictions for robbery, attempted armed robbery and recklessly causing injury.
He was also on two sets of bail for theft matters when the alleged incident occurred.
Police opposed bail, arguing McGrath would continue to offend if released and would be a danger to public safety.
McGrath's lawyer told the court his client had a stable address, had cooperated with police, had complied with his bail reporting conditions and would not be a flight risk.
But Magistrate Jennifer Tregent said the concern wasn't if he would turn up, but what he would be doing while on bail.
She noted the man's bail had only been extended on Monday, just one day prior to the alleged offending.
Ms Tregent said McGrath had shown a complete disregard for the law and had been given every opportunity by the courts.
"His priors are an absolute disgrace," she said.
"It's just not acceptable."
She remanded McGrath in custody and adjourned the case to December.
