The boy, 14, and two females aged 12 and 16, allegedly stole a worker's car from a Department of Human Services house in Birch Street, Horsham, about 12.25am.

Horsham Sergeant Jason Bergen said the three youths were affected by alcohol.

He said police were aware the youths were driving but because of their ages did not pursue them or try to intercept the vehicle.

The car eventually crashed into a tree in Urquhart Street, Horsham, after nearly two hours.

The youths were then arrested.

Sgt Bergen said the boy was bailed on Wednesday but breached a condition and was remanded in custody yesterday morning.

He faced court yesterday and was further remanded in custody, to appear in the Children's Court next week.

His charges include theft of a motor vehicle, conduct endangering life and drink-driving.

The two girls have also been charged.

Horsham Sergeant Pat Harrington said the teenagers had been seen driving at high speeds throughout Horsham.

"At one stage, they allegedly went into the Mobil station on the corner of Baillie Street and Urquhart Street, fuelled up and then drove off without paying,'' he said.

The teenagers also allegedly did a number of burnouts in front of police in Horsham

North.

"Once again, because of the age of the children we didn't engage in a pursuit,'' Sgt Harrington said.

He said the joyride ended when the driver hit a traffic island after speeding over Horsham overpass.

"The driver lost control, struck the kerb on the other corner and the car became airborne and hit a tree,'' he said.

The boy was taken to Wimmera Base Hospital with minor injuries.

Cassandra Dalgleish