​Joseph Clarke, 45, of Terang, pleaded guilty in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court​ earlier this year to 10 driving offences.

Those charges included two counts of both driving while disqualified and refusing a breath test as well as failing to obey the directions of police, refusing to accompany police, speeding, driving while suspended, failing to appear on bail and driving an unregistered car.

​He appeared in court twice earlier this year but sentencing was adjourned.

Magistrate Cynthia Toose said a psychological report she had now received was favourable and since last appearing in court Clarke had stayed out of trouble.

Clarke was convicted, fined $800, his licence was disqualified for four years and he was placed on a community corrections order with conditions he do 120 hours of community work as well as assessment, treatment and programs as requested. 

Ms Toose said Clarke had now finally done something about his alcohol consumption but this was his final opportunity to avoid serving a jail term for serious driving offending. 

She said Clarke had failed to comply with the directions of police, he refused a breath test, was driving an unregistered car, and speeding. The magistrate warned Clarke if he offended again or failed to comply with his corrections order he would effectively be imprisoning himself. 

In May police said officers noticed a car at 8.55pm on May 31 last year in Terang’s Estcourt Street. 

Clarke drove with no headlights on and did not indicate when he turned. When pulled over Clarke refused to give his name and address numerous times. 

He told police he didn't have a licence and refused a blood alcohol test. Clarke smelt of alcohol and was slurring his words. 

Clarke's defence counsel Ian Pugh said his client had significant issues with alcohol, he panicked and was sorry he wasn't cooperative with police.