John Daniel Kettlyle, 31, was involved in 13 incidents between April 1 and June 25 last year, including a car chase that reached more than 150km/h on the wrong side of the road towards oncoming traffic.

He first came to attention while driving a $50,000 Ford Ranger.

The car had been stolen near Bonbeach, south of Melbourne, and was spotted by police in Wangaratta about 4.30am on April 1.

Kettyle sped off at up to 160km/h. 

Police again spotted the car 12 hours later and despite the vehicle being blocked, the 31-year-old sped past them, leading to a five-kilometre chase towards Yarrawonga.

Kettyle drove onto the wrong side of the road several times and managed to escape despite Victorian and NSW roadblocks and the use of the air wing.

Speed camera images, which showed his hand tattoos, were used to identify him later that day.

The cameras were used to trace Kettyle over the next few weeks, along with phone records that showed him reaching speeds up to 170km/h.

Many of the speeding offences occurred between Melbourne and the Wangaratta region.

Kettyle deliberately drove at a police car in Cranbourne on June 15, causing police to take evasive action to avoid a crash.

He was arrested when he signed on for bail at Chelsea on July 20 last year.

A search of his home found a sawn-off shotgun stolen during an aggravated burglary three years earlier, 40 shotgun shells, knives, daggers, a machete, cash, jewellery and a key for a car parked nearby.

The stolen Ford Ranger has never been recovered.

Judge Christopher Ryan recently noted Kettyle’s history of ice abuse. 

He told the Melbourne County Court any prospects of rehabilitation “is entirely dependent upon you becoming and remaining drug-free”.

His licence was also cancelled for four years.