E-bike menace forced Leeds police into scrambling helicopter
A teenage E-bike rider who fled police and led them on a lengthy chase has avoided being locked up.
Officers spent 20 minutes pursuing Riley Webster and eventually had to call on the assistance of the police helicopter to keep track of him.
He dodged traffic, rode on pavements and travelled into oncoming cars before eventually crashing and being apprehended.
The 19-year-old appeared at Leeds Crown Court this week where he admitted dangerous driving, driving without a licence and without insurance.
The court heard that patrolling officers noticed the bike had no registration plate when they saw it being ridden on Cross Gates Lane on April 12.
Webster began acting suspiciously, looking over his shoulder towards the officers. They illuminated their lights and he sped away.
He reached speeds of 45mph in a 20mph zone, and 50mph in a 30mph zone. He travelled through red lights, mounted kerbs and drove into oncoming traffic on the wrong side of a dual carriageway.
Webster eventually smashed into a car on a roundabout and he was thrown from the bike.
Prosecutor Tayo Dasaolu said he caused £1,277 worth of damage to the car.
Webster, of York Road, Whinmoor, has previous driving convictions, including one from March, just weeks before the helicopter chase.
A probation report into Webster found that the bike had belonged to a friend and was afraid it would be confiscated.
But the judge, Recorder David Gordon, was suspicious as to why Webster was so adamant about getting away, but accepted there was no evidence to suggest he was involved in any other criminality.
Mitigating, Craig Sutcliffe conceded Webster’s actions were “completely irrational” and “stupid”, adding: “He is the author of his own misfortune.”
He said Webster suffered broken ribs in the crash.
Recorder Gordon said: “It must have been very shocking for the other motorist.”
Addressing the standard of Webster’s driving, he told him: “It puts people’s lives at risk. It shows a blatant disregard for your own safety, pedestrians and other road users.”
He gave Webster eight months’ detention, suspended for 18 months. He ordered him to complete rehabilitation days with probation and 150 hours of unpaid work.
He told him: “You can count yourself very lucky. I’m giving you a golden opportunity. It may be the last chance you get.”