Jason Clifford Godden faces court over dangerous driving in Ballarat CBD

A dangerous Ballarat driver tried to escape police by running red lights on a busy CBD street and ditching his car nearby.

The intersection of Mair St and Lydiard St in Ballarat Central. Picture: Google Maps

A dodgy Ballarat driver ran multiple red lights on a busy CBD street to escape police before ditching the car, changing clothes and walking away.

Former factory worker Jason Clifford Godden faced Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and more.

The court heard that on February 14 this year, police tried to pull over Godden on Mair St in Ballarat Central because his car appeared non-compliant.

Although he initially indicated and slowed down, Godden accelerated and sped away.

At the intersection with Lydiard St, he entered the intersection through a red light.

Police found Godden's car elsewhere in Ballarat Central.

Pedestrians moved out of his way, and he similarly ran a red light where the road crossed with Armstrong St.

Shortly after, police found Godden walking on Essex St.

It was only later they discovered the car on Windermere St, with CCTV capturing Godden exiting the driver’s seat and changing his clothes.

The vehicle was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1425.

In May, Godden was caught in possession of stolen number plates.

He was convicted, sentenced to a six-month community correction order, and disqualified from driving for 12 months.