1 week Ago
A motorcyclist led police on a chase for 20 minutes, reaching speeds of up to 110mph. Tyler Foulds, aged 25, broke the speed limit multiple times and rode on the pavement over the course of the chase on October 3. Bolton Crown Court heard how Foulds, of The Pewfist, Westhoughton, was seen by police riding a Yamaha motorbike on the M60 clockwise going past Chill Factore.
He was said to be travelling at 90mph, before dropping to 70mph. Prosecuting, Alex Beevers said: "Officers stopped recording, believing he was going to pull over, but he then gained ground and they activated their emergency equipment. "The pursuit took place around the Worsley and Greater Manchester area.
At some points the defendant was travelling in excess of 100mph. "He also rode on the pavement and there were a number of narrow misses. The chase concludes initially, with him evading police down a ginnel, but he was seen again by officers.
"Then whilst turning left at a junction, police took the defendant off his bike by crashing into him. He was subsequently arrested." The case was heard at Bolton Crown Court (Image: Anthony Moss) Police dashcam footage of parts of the chase were played in court.
They showed Foulds travelling at 110mph on the 40mph limit East Lancashire Road near Worsley. It also showed a police car ramming him off the motorbike from behind. Foulds had no previous convictions and pleaded guilty at an earlier date to the offences of dangerous driving, driving without a license and driving without insurance.
Read more: Dog which died after being 'starved' had been 'suffering for weeks' Read more: 'Highly intoxicated' man bent police officer's thumb back Read more: Drug dealer manned 'Rocky line' phone selling heroin and crack to pay off debts Mr Beevers added: "It was a prolonged pursuit with high speeds and in a dangerous manner. There is a crash involved with a stationary vehicle. "The police car crashes into a stationary vehicle, it is not the case that Mr Foulds crashed, but it happened because of the pursuit.
" Defending, James Cooper said: "The defendant has made no attempt to minimise or justify his behaviour. "He has significant regret and remorse for his actions. Once he became aware he was being pursued, knowing he had no license, in hindsight he realises he made a stupid error of judgement.
" Mr Cooper also highlighted Foulds' lack of previous offending and that he has been in stable employment as a warehouse worker for the last two years. A letter of support from his employer, who is aware of the proceedings, was also referenced, with plans for promotion in the future. Sentencing, Recorder Imran Shafi KC said: "This was prolonged, dangerous driving which lasted around 20 minutes.
"It was only brought to an end because police had to instigate a tactical collision, knocking you off your bike when it was safe for them, you and other road users, to do so. "What you did that day was impulsive, immature and, more importantly, incredibly dangerous. The fact you did not kill yourself of anyone else is not due to your riding skills, it was luck: pure and simple.
" "Your words are that it was a 'stupid error of judgement'. In my words, it was wholly selfish, reckless behaviour with complete disregard for other road users." However, recognising Foulds' relative immaturity, history of good work and lack of previous convictions, Recorder Shafi chose not to send him to prison.
He suspended a six month sentence for two years. Recorder Shafi also sentenced Foulds to undertake 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 150 hours in unpaid work, as well as giving him a 12 month disqualification from driving..
