A BENDIGO P-plater has avoided time in jail after he was caught driving about 60km/h over the speed limit.
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Marcus Ledwidge, 21, appeared at the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to charges including dangerous driving, drink driving, and failing to stop.
The charges stem from an incident in the early hours of December 1, 2019, when Ledwidge evaded police in Narre Warren.
He was caught driving his white Holden Commodore at 109km/h in a 60km/h zone and 140km/h in an 80km/h zone.
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Ledwidge also drove through three red lights and crashed into a pole after failing to slow at a roundabout.
The 21-year-old recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.22. As the holder of a probationary driver's licence, Ledwidge needed to have a reading of zero.
Magistrate Rodney Higgins last month indicated he would jail Ledwidge for one month because of the "incredibly dangerous" driving.
But Mr Higgins on Thursday said a positive report from Corrections Victoria had changed his mind.
"I'm going to give you a chance," the magistrate told Ledwidge. "Make sure you grab it."
The 21-year-old was instead sentenced to an 18-month community corrections order with 250 hours of unpaid community work.
Ledwidge's licence was cancelled and he was disqualified from driving for two years.
"If you drive in that time, there is every likelihood you will go to jail," Mr Higgins said.
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