In the Media

Motorcyclist caught riding at 160mph down country lane

PUBLISHED November 22, 2012
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Andrew Stevens, 30, was banned from driving for three months after being caught riding his bike along a country road at more than twice the speed limit.

Stevens admitted he had made "a stupid mistake" but tried to defend his actions by claiming he was "euphoric" at the time because his girlfriend had just accepted his proposal of marriage.

Police released some of the two-and-a-half minute video of Stevens speeding along Seven Mile Lane near Tonbridge, Kent, in a bid to highlight the potential dangers of such driving.

It was filmed by a camera attached to the unmarked bike of a police officer following him.

The footage showed Stevens riding a 1000cc Yamaha motorbike, twice reaching speeds over 100mph during the 150 seconds of filming.

Stevens, a journalist who writes for online motorcycle news websites, performed a wheelie as he overtook a lorry at about 50mph and later did another one as he accelerated towards 100mph, Sevenoaks Magistrates Court heard.

The country lane where Stevens was caught widens to a dual carriage way in places to allow slow vehicles to be overtaken. PC Townsend followed Stevens for several miles before stopping him after he reached speeds of 160mph - 90mph over the speed limit for the fastest section of the road.

Stevens, from Tonbridge, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention.

The offence carries a maximum fine of £5,000 but Stevens was only fined £500, ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge, as well as being banned from driving for three months.

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