Motorcyclist Agrees To Sell Bike After Being Sentenced For Dangerous Driving

Monday, 20 June 2022 06:21

A man has agreed to sell his motorcycle after he was twice caught riding at high speeds in Sussex.

Ben Hawkins admitted he'd been showing off to friends when he was caught doing a wheelie in front of an unmarked police car on the A27 between Fontwell and Tangmere.

He'd been riding over 70mph at the time and was reported for dangerous driving, with a warning that his bike could be seized if he was caught a second time.

However a week later, at the beginning of February, he was caught again on the A281 at Henfield, attempting to overtake over solid double white lines.

Hawkins told the officer that when he rides he “cannot control himself”.

The 25-year-old, of Hatherleigh Gardens, Bognor, appeared at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on June 1 where he admitted driving dangerously, and driving without due care and attention.

The court ordered him to complete 150 hours of unpaid work as part of an eight-week suspended prison sentence.

Hawkins was disqualified from driving for 18 months and must take an extended retest before he is allowed to drive or ride again. He must also pay an £85 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

The court heard how he has agreed to sell the vehicle after it was initially seized by officers.

RPU officer PC Tom Van Der Wee said:

“Each year RPU officers take part in Operation Downsway, running through the summer, to detect and deter anti-social and dangerous drivers and riders.

“Our aim is to reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on our roads due to the 'fatal five' factors of excess speed, drink and drug-driving, driving without a seatbelt, distraction (such as by a mobile phone), and careless or inconsiderate driving.

“This case shows all offenders they risk having their vehicle seized and forfeited.

“By his own admission, Hawkins could not control himself, and will now not be able to drive or ride on our roads for 18 months.

“We are determined to catch offenders who put their own safety and the safety of everyone else at risk.”