Now, I need to stress there were only a few people around and we did this at the end away from the drive-throughs, etc. Anyway, as we were practicing, one of the lads livestreamed it on Facebook.
Unfortunately, some local busybody tagged the Police and about a week after that I got a Notice of Intended Prosecution for dangerous driving. I read online that the best thing I could do was not identify myself. That way the CPS can’t prosecute, i.e. because they cannot I.D. the offender. Therefore, I gave my mates’ names and addresses as possible riders and said we were all swapping bikes (we weren’t but it seemed like a good plan).
However, the Police then dragged me in for an interview. Someone else online had told me to go “No comment” in the interview so I did that to most of the questions. The Police tried to scare me that it may go against me later and weren’t too chuffed when I laughed and said to prove it was me riding.
At this point they showed me another video I had not seen and because I was not wearing a helmet, I had to admit it was me as my face was clear. I then told the Police it was all irrelevant as it happened in a privately owned car park, i.e. not a public road, so I couldn’t get done in any event. If they do take me to Court, have I got a defence on this basis?
Answer
I understand a fertile man produces an average total of 80 to 300 million sperm per ejaculation. Only one of the sperm makes it through and fertilises the egg. I mention this as somehow, despite the odds, you now walk on this earth. Take from that what you will…
Now, starting with your last point first, whilst the car park may be privately owned, as the public have access to it, the normal rules of the road apply so you can get done if you break the law there. So you are aware, pulling wheelies and doing burnouts is textbook ‘dangerous driving’.
Therefore, as you admitted it was you riding, if the CPS can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that your riding fell far below what was expected of a competent and careful rider, and it was obvious that to ride in that way would be dangerous (which they will be able to prove as it’s on video), then a Court will convict you. If convicted, it’s a minimum disqualification of 12 months and you could be locked up for a maximum of 24 months.
As for lying about who was riding, you also need to be prepared for a court appearance for attempting to pervert the course of justice. This also carries a custodial sentence if convicted.
All in all, you have been a bit of a plonker and you shouldn’t believe everything you read on the internet. If you get summonsed to Court, you need to get some legal advice immediately and make sure you have packed your toothbrush.
Andrew ‘Chef’ Prendergast
More Bikes – February 2024
