(Image: Stuart Boulton)
A motorbike enthusiast caught on CCTV riding with two pillion passengers on the rear of his bike while disqualified from driving has narrowly avoided prison.
Police seized Lucas Weldon’s bike while questioning him about other offences, and identified him after complaints about nuisance bikers in April.
The 18-year-old was arrested for a second time when he was spotted riding a motorbike in Ferryhill in July while not wearing a helmet.
Prosecutor Syed Ali said police went to Weldon’s home on April 25 and seized a motorbike.
He said: “CCTV footage was sourced and the defendant was identified by police.
“The defendant could be seen riding with two pillion passengers on the wrong side of the road.”
Dealing with the second set of charges, Mr Ali said: “He was spotted driving in front of a primary school and he was not wearing a helmet or protective clothing.”
Weldon had seven convictions for 11 offences and remained banned from driving after failing to take an extended test.
Weldon, of Thirlmere Road, Ferryhill, admitted driving while disqualified, without insurance and carelessly on April 25.
He also admitted riding without a helmet, driving while disqualified and without insurance, and driving without an MOT on July 14.
His lawyer, Amrit Jandoo, said Weldon loved tinkering with motorbikes but wrongly chose to test-ride them on public roads.
He said: “He recognises he needs to get his licence back and pass the extended driving test.”
Read more
Teenager to be sentenced over firearm and machete charges after A66 crash arrest
Jury hears County Durham man was deliberately targeted with ‘murderous intent'
Sick child rapist who targeted girl jailed for 20 years
Bench chairman Professor Ian Neal warned Weldon he was close to going to prison for the two offences of driving while disqualified.
He said: “You must not ride on a public road. If you want to test a bike out, ride it on a field.
“You certainly must not do it on a public road outside of a school. You might think you have the skills to avoid a child but you don’t as you have not passed a driving test.”
Weldon was given an 18-month community order and ordered to pay £199 in court costs.