Michael Seiffert used Snapchat in a stolen car which sped through Grovedale, North Geelong, Wandana Heights

Michael Seiffert ran from a stolen car after he filmed himself on social media during a joy ride. The dangerous driving needed the police helicopter and stop sticks.

Michael Seiffert pleaded guilty to car theft on the basis of getting into a stolen vehicle. Picture: Facebook.

A Highton man who posted a video of himself to social media during a high-speed joy ride tracked by the police helicopter was “scared for his life”, his defence lawyer says.

Michael Seiffert, 24, knew a blue Ford Ranger was stolen when he got into it as a passenger on July 10, the Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard on Thursday.

After the ute sped up to an estimated 180km/h on the Geelong Ring Road, police used stop sticks in a desperate attempt to halt it, according to a police summary.

The court heard Seiffert, on bail at the time, used Snapchat on his phone to record part of the joy ride which showed the high speed the stolen car was travelling at.

The Ranger in Enrob Court, Grovedale. Picture: Brad Fleet

Earlier on July 10, the ute, fitted with fake plates, was spotted by the police helicopter driving through red lights and onto median strips in Newtown and North Geelong, and was tracked to Madeline Drive, Wandana Heights.

Eventually Seiffert, and three other people allegedly in the car, tried to flee on foot from police after the ute was dumped in Enrob Court, Grovedale.

Seiffert, who appeared to be crying at times during his court hearing on Thursday, was arrested a short time later.

Seiffert’s lawyer Stephanie Mawby said her client knew the car was stolen.

“He instructs me he was scared for his life in the back seat,” Ms Mawby said.

Police bagging evidence after the Ranger was dumped. Picture: Brad Fleet

Seiffert also faced court for multiple shop thefts which included pinching Tommy Hilfiger tops and Versace sunglasses from shops in Westfield Geelong on March 1 and 16 this year.

The court heard Seiffert stole tool sets worth more than $700 from Bunnings in Norlane on February 12, and stole a car from Plantation Rd, Corio on March 3.

On Thursday Seiffert was released from jail after serving 17 days on remand.

Magistrate Ann McGarvie said Seiffert would be assessed for a justice plan.

The plan is tailored to offenders with an intellectual disability and aims to reduce the chances of reoffending.

A woman is arrested in Enrob Court, Grovedale after a police car chase. Picture: Brad Fleet

The court heard Seiffert was currently on another court-ordered rehabilitation program.

Ms McGarvie told Seiffert if he didn’t comply with it he would face more time in jail.

Ms Mawby said her client had been homeless for long periods, could no longer live at his mother’s house and used drugs.

She said Seiffert would benefit from assistance from court-ordered rehabilitation programs to treat intellectual conditions.

“His prospects for rehabilitation aren’t all but extinguished,” Ms Mawby said.

Ms Mawby said her client had used ice, GHB and cannabis, and he recognised he had a drug problem.

Seiffert pleaded guilty to driving while suspended, car theft, shop theft and committing an indictable offence while on bail.

He will return to court on September 21 to be sentenced.

Originally published as Michael Seiffert used Snapchat in a stolen car which sped through Grovedale, North Geelong, Wandana Heights