A motorcyclist has been sentenced to carry out unpaid community work after being seen pulling wheelies in traffic on the A23 London Road in Brighton.
Richard Gilbert, 30, was spotted riding his Suzuki dangerously on Sunday 12 September – the day that thousands of motorcyclists came to Brighton for the annual Ace Café Reunion.
On the same day one motorcyclist died and two others were injured in separate accidents.
Gilbert, from Shepherd’s Bush, London, appeared before Brighton magistrates and admitted dangerous driving.
He was given a 12-month community order requiring him to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work.
Brighton Magistrates’ Court ordered him to pay £85 legal costs.
Gilbert was filmed by a Sussex Police traffic officer riding a covert motorbike fitted with a video camera.
Another biker was given an 18-month driving ban after he appeared at Hove Crown Court and admitted dangerous driving.
Sean Robertson, 23, of Arundel Road, Peacehaven, was also filmed by a traffic officer on a motorbike.
He was filmed riding his Kawasaki motorbike at speeds of more than 90mph along a stretch of the A22 where the speed limit was 50mph.
On Sunday 4 July Robertson overtook a car which was turning right and almost caused a serious accident.
He continued along the B2124 Laughton Road, going faster than 100mph before taking a blind right-hand bend and crossroad junction on the wrong side of the road at 90mph.
The traffic officer on an unmarked police bike stopped Robertson and arrested him.
As well as being disqualified for 18 months, Robertson was ordered to take an extended test before being allowed to have his licence back.
In court yesterday, he was also ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid community work and pay £340 towards the cost of the prosecution.
Chief Inspector Di Roskilly said: “We want to send out a strong message to both bikers and motorists that dangerous driving will not be tolerated on Sussex roads.”
She said that both incidents could easily have resulted in the death of the motorcyclists or other innocent road users.
Sussex Police said that October was a popular month for bike riders to enjoy a few last rides before the onset of winter.
It said that the weather forecast for this weekend was particularly good, adding: “Although we appreciate people want to get out on their bikes and enjoy the sunshine we want to remind them to ride in a safe and respectful manner or run the risk of being caught by officers on covert motorbikes.
“Most importantly we want to ensure that they stay safe and alive.”
Sussex Police also urged the public to report dangerous driving using the Operation Crackdown website. It said that people could also call 01243 642222 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
It added that 19 motorcyclists had died on Sussex roads this year with 167 others seriously injured.
