An unlicensed driver was travelling about 60km/h when he went through a Redan roundabout and collided with another vehicle, causing damage beyond repair.
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Jordan Alexander Slade mounted a footpath and took off at a fast rate of speed following the crash at the Pleasant and Bell streets roundabout at 4pm on January 28, 2019.
The 26-year-old man returned to the crash scene a short time later to tell the victim he was the driver responsible for the crash and he was sorry, before he drove away a second time.
Police arrived at 4.30pm and spoke to witnesses. One witness said they saw a green and white sedan driving along a footpath.
Ten minutes later, triple-0 received a call about a report of a man driving a green and white sedan erratically on Howitt Street, Wendouree.
He matched the description of the driver involved in the Redan collision and police later attended Slade's house.
Slade made admissions to the offences, telling police officers he was "only driving to help a mate who was bashed". He estimated he hit the roundabout at 60km/h.
The victim's vehicle was damaged beyond repair.
Less than one month later on February 16, Slade was riding an unregistered motorbike east along Latrobe Street, Delacombe.
Police detected his speed at 98km/h in a 60km/h speed limit zone. Officers confirmed Slade's identity and address and checks showed he did not have a valid driver's licence.
Slade's motorbike was impounded for one month at a cost of $1200. He told police he was riding the motorbike because he wanted to get to a mate's house.
Slade pleaded guilty to seven charges relating to the two driving incidents at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.
He admitted the offences, which included failing to answer bail, after he received a sentence indication from magistrate Ron Saines.
The court was told Slade had prior charges for driving and drug charges in 2015 and 2016 but drugs were no longer an issue for him.
The father-of-one works full-time, has family support and wants to move on in his life.
The magistrate told Slade he was very close to receiving a prison sentence.
"This is offending that brings you to the cusp of imprisonment when I consider your prior history," Mr Saines said.
"You have a regular history of offending as an adult."
Slade, who was due to get his licence back on Friday, was suspended from driving for eight months.
He was convicted and fined $3227.40, which includes court costs. The fine was referred to Fines Victoria.
Slade's charges included unlicensed driving, speeding and driving an unregistered motorbike.
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