Rider caught out on 'bike wash' run

Published on 12th April 2007 in News

Riding a motorcycle too fast, without a number plate, and without the relevant documentation has resulted in a Goole man being landed with a hefty fine and points on his driving licence.

Thomas Ericson (23), of Morley Street, Old Goole, pleaded guilty to six charges when he appeared before Goole Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, April 3 - riding without insurance, test certificate, number plate or driving licence, exceeding the 30mph speed limit and failing to notify the DVLA of a change of address.

The court heard that, on January 30, a police officer caught Mr Ericson riding a Honda 250cc motorbike along the A163 Highfield Road in Bubwith at 49mph in what was a 30mph zone.

Mr Ericson was not insured to drive the motorbike and did not hold a motorcycle driving licence. It was also discovered that the driving licence Mr Ericson held was not displaying the correct address.

The motorbike had no valid test certificate, and was not displaying a registration plate.

In his defence, Mr Ericson said that he had owned the motorbike but there was no documentation for it. He kept the bike at a friend's house and had been washing the bike nearby, but admitted he rode it that day because he was "too lazy" to push it back to his friend's house.

"It was a stupid mistake," said Mr Ericson.

He added that he would not be able to continue in his current employment without a full driving licence, as he was required to drive as part of the job.

Magistrates endorsed Mr Ericson's driving licence with six penalty points, and ordered him to pay fines of £360 and £40 court costs.