A LEARNER driver who was using the drug ice when he went on a spree of driving offences and assaulted a police officer has narrowly avoided prison.
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Joshua Taylor, 19, of Long Gully, was placed on a two-year Community Corrections Order on Tuesday for a string of offences committed between August and December 2013.
Taylor pleaded guilty to 45 charges, including assaulting a police officer.
The Bendigo Magistrates' Court heard Taylor kicked the officer in the shin and had to be tasered when police went to arrest him over a large list of driving charges.
Magistrate Bruce Cottrill said Taylor's "raft of driving offences" presented a significant danger to not only himself but other members of the community.
He said Taylor's regular use of ice led him to act in a reckless and violent manner.
"There is absolutely no doubt your use of methamphetamine and other substances has caused you to show poor judgement," he said.
The court heard Taylor has assaulted a fellow prisoner since being placed in custody.
Magistrate Cottrill said Taylor knocked his inmate to the ground and kicked the victim to the head three times.
Taylor served 50 days in custody before he was convicted and released on a Community Corrections Order.
Magistrate Cottrill urged Taylor to stop using ice and to use the unpaid community work as a chance to rehabilitate.
"You are very fortunate you're not facing a long term in prison," he said.
Taylor had his licence disqualified for 24 months and was fined $2500 for the driving offences.