A TEENAGER from Prestatyn received a suspended sentence after being pursued by police in Rhyl while riding an electric motorbike in a dangerous, “stupid” fashion.
Leon Faulkner, 18, of Ffordd Parc Bodnant, was sentenced to 32 weeks’ detention in a young offenders’ institution, suspended for 18 months, at Mold Crown Court today (June 1).
He had previously admitted to riding the motorbike dangerously, while disqualified, and without insurance.
Prosecuting, Dafydd Roberts told the court that, on November 1, 2022, Faulkner was banned from the roads for 12 months after being convicted of drug-driving.
But at about 3.30pm on January 13, a police officer saw him riding a Sur-Ron electric motorbike, not designed for use on public roads, on Marsh Road, Rhyl.
He was signalled to stop, but instead set off at some speed, before he “pulled a ‘wheelie’.”
The officer activated the emergency siren and light on his car, and a pursuit ensued.
Faulkner then rode on the wrong side of the road, mounting the pavement and narrowly missing an adult and child.
He turned into the car park of the Home Bargains store, then back out and towards the direction he had come from, before riding down side streets in Rhyl.
Another police car joined, before Faulkner found himself lost after turning left onto Vale Road.
Faulkner was found a few mins later by another officer, and was arrested.
Dashcam footage of the chase, taken from one of the officer’s police cars, was played in court; Faulkner was said to have travelled at speeds of up to 40mph.
Defending Faulkner, who had two previous convictions for as many offences, Elen Owen said he has “learnt his lesson” and was “extremely fearful of his fate”.
The bike, which he is still in possession of and has a maximum speed of 45mph, was an early Christmas present from his parents, and cost £3,500.
Faulkner, supported in court by his mother, sister and partner, had turned 18 just six days prior to this incident.
Ms Owen accepted that his offending crossed the custody threshold, but invited the court to consider suspending his sentence, primarily on the basis of his age and remorse.
She said: “Had this happened just weeks or months before, he would have been in youth court.
“He’s extremely remorseful; he’s learnt his lesson. Rehabilitation is very much a realistic possibility.”
Judge Rhys Rowlands agreed to suspend Faulkner’s sentence, but said he would not have done so if anyone had been injured or if Faulkner had been under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Had it hit that child, one shudders wondering what the consequences would have been,” he said.
Faulkner was ordered to complete 20 days’ rehabilitation activity requirements and 150 hours’ unpaid work.
He was disqualified from driving for two years, and must pass an extended re-test before he will be allowed back on the roads again.
A statutory surcharge of £180 was also issued to him.
Judge Rowlands told him: “You were taking dangerous risks, borne out of a desire to avoid being stopped by police. The potential for there being very serious harm was there.
“The crucial factor here is that you’re still very young, and this offence took place within a week or so of your 18th birthday.
“You’re getting a chance, but it’s very unlikely that you’ll get another. You need to avoid behaving in such a stupid fashion in future.”
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