A motorcyclist who led police on a chase reaching speeds of up to 120mph could not give his barrister a reason.
The district judge told the 21-year-old: “This was very, very stupid behaviour which could have ended up in disaster.”
Kealan Francis Day, of Moy Road, Portadown appeared for sentencing for not displaying R plates, failing to stop for police and dangerous driving at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Prosecution outlined that on June 24, at 8.35pm, police on patrol of the Northway, Portadown, observed the defendant driving a Honda motorcycle.
Officers followed Day onto the Corcrain Road. Police turned on their lights and sirens to get him to stop but he failed to do so.
The defendant then entered the Moy Road and began to accelerate. He was detected at speed in excess of 100mph.
Day continued at speed, passing through Scotch Street in Craigavon at a speed of 70mph.
Police followed and detected the defendant at speeds up to 120mph before using tactics to bring Day to a stop.
When interviewed, the defendant made full admissions to the offences.
Defence barrister John McCann stated: “This was quite a poor bit of driving. Day had been driving from Craigavon to Portadown and instructs he only saw the police lights when he came onto Moy Road.
“He claims he simply panicked. I spoke to him this morning and still does not know why he did it. He is full of regret and is very lucky no one, including himself, was injured.”
He continued: “There is a live suspended sentence but that is for a completely different type of offending. He is currently living with his father for whom he is a registered carer.
“He has been assessed as suitable for community service and probation. He has offered his consent to both.”
District Judge Rosie Watters stated: “This was very, very stupid behaviour which could have ended up in disaster.
“I really have to wonder why you did it. You are not charged with no insurance or any other offences.”
Day was sentenced to two years probation. He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months and was ordered to pay a fine of £120, along with the offender’s levy of £15.
