Dangerous South Yorkshire quad biker is jailed after he was pursued by police motorcyclists
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Adam Oakes, of Finlay Road, East Dene, Rotherham, was seen riding with a passenger and without helmets by an off-road police motorcyclist at a disused pit site between Thorpe Hesley and Chapeltown, according to a Sheffield Crown Court hearing.
Prosecuting barrister Fiona Clancy told the March 4 hearing that an off-road motorcycle officer saw 29-year-old Oakes riding the quad bike with a passenger and without helmets and he positioned his bike at an angle and activated his lights and raised his hands to stop the defendant.
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Hide AdBut Oakes continued at speed and took a tight corner and turned into a public bridleway, according to Ms Clancy, and another off-road motorcyclist tried to block the defendant with his hands raised and was forced to jump out of the way.
Ms Clancy said the quad bike, which had obscured registration plates, was swerving and was being driven at speeds of over 40mph and police were concerned for any possible walkers.
She added: “The quad tipped to the left side but the defendant regained control and attempted to make another sharp right turn and stopped in a short ditch.”
One of the officers challenged Oakes with a stun gun as he was stuck in the ditch and the defendant stepped down and was apprehended.
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Hide AdProvisional licence holder Oakes, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and to driving otherwise than in accordance with a full licence and to driving without insurance after the incident on November 24, 2019.
Vanessa Saxton, defending, said: “During that period of time since his arrest he has not been in any further difficulties with the police.”
She added: “He fully accepts that his driving fell way below the standard of the careful driver and he has accepted the police were right to chase him.”
Recorder David Kelly told Oakes: “The police mistakenly thought the bike was stolen and you were on the bike with another and neither of you were wearing helmets.”
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Hide AdHe sentenced Oakes to four months of custody and banned him from driving for 14 months.