A teenager has been banned from the roads for two years after he was caught riding an electric bike dangerously through Swansea city centre, with police describing him as "a danger to both cars and pedestrians."
Incident Details
Callum Payne, 18, was seen racing around Swansea's Maritime Quarter and SA1 development on a powerful Sur-Ron machine by officers in an aircraft from the Police National Air Service on April 24 this year. Swansea Magistrates' Court heard that police responded to reports of an E-bike being ridden dangerously in the city centre.
Officers onboard the police plane spotted Payne near Swansea Marina and watched him speeding through pedestrianised areas and over a footbridge over the River Tawe before riding on the wrong side of the road in the face of oncoming traffic in the SA1 area. He was then tracked making his way to a nearby house where he was subsequently arrested by ground units.
Court Outcome
Payne, of Port Tennant Road, Port Tennant, Swansea, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, using a motor vehicle without insurance, and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. He was made subject to a 12-month community order and must complete a rehabilitation course and carry out 200 hours of unpaid work. He was also banned from driving for two years and must pass an extended test before getting a licence.
Police Reaction
Speaking after the sentencing, South Wales Police constable Scott Pearson said: "Callum Payne put others’ safety at risk when he sped his illegal E-bike through the SA1 area, including across a pedestrian footbridge. He was a danger to both cars and pedestrians and is clearly unsuitable to be allowed to use the roads. We are pleased to see that he is now banned from doing so for two years."
