Biker led police on 100mph chase

Published 30 Jun 2010 10:36

A MOTORCYCLIST who led police on a 100mph chase through Forestmill has been ordered to carry out 80 hours of community service work.

After failing to stop for police officers, Luke Fleming led them on a high speed pursuit for 1.2miles along the A977 until he fell off his bike at Meadowhill Quarry.

Fleming (22) pled guilty, at Alloa Sheriff Court on Thursday, to driving his bike dangerously and at excessive speed through a built up area on 5 July last year.

Fiscal depute Jim Graham said police officers were on patrol in a marked vehicle at the Gartarry Roundabout monitoring traffic when they saw a group of motorcyclists heading towards Forestmill.

The officers were concerned about some of the vehicles' registration plates and overtook the bikers and put their blue lights on.

As some of the bikers pulled in, two went past the car which then pursued them at speeds of up to 100mph. They went through Forestmill, which has a speed limit of 40mph, and one of the bikes accelerated out of sight.

Fleming overtook a car on his 600cc Suzuki and the police officers were struggling to keep up with him when he lost control at the sharp right hand bend at the quarry. He came off the vehicle and slid across gravel to a stop.

Panicked

Mr Graham said Fleming came out of the incident with just cuts and bruises to show for his high speed fall. The road condition was described as being dry although there was drizzle.

Defence solicitor Robert Smith said his client was with a group of friends travelling to a rally at Knockhill. When police pulled him over he realised he did not have insurance and simply panicked.

Mr Smith added, "He is disappointed with himself for committing such an offence and the anguish it caused his mother. He appears genuinely disgusted by his behaviour."

He went on, "He has got over the death of one of his brothers in a drug related incident."

Sheriff David Mackie told Fleming his crime was too serious for a fine and his modest income would mean any fine would be low.

He continued, "I take account that you realise the seriousness of what you did on the day you ignored police and took part in a high speed chase."

In addition to community service, Fleming was banned from driving for one year and ordered to sit an extended driving test before he can drive again.

On a further charge of driving without insurance Fleming, of East Kilbride, was admonished after pleading guilty.

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