DRIVING BAN FOR CASSFORD AFTER CRASHING MOTORCYCLE AND LEAVING INJURED FRIEND

23-year-old Alan Cassford has been banned from driving for 12 months after not only crashing his friend’s motorcycle, which he did not have a licence to drive, but leaving his seriously injured mate too. It was on the evening of 5th June last year that emergency services were called to the B3330 Appley Road in Ryde, where 2 people had been thrown from a motorbike. Cassford, of Great Preston Road in Ryde, was riding his friend’s Honda VFR800F when he lost control on a bend, resulting in the vehicle crashing into a wall. Both Cassford and his mate – who was riding pillion – were seriously injured in the incident, which prompted the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance to be scrambled to the scene. Shortly after – ahead of the arrival of Police but after paramedics had arrived – Cassford ‘moved on from the scene’. He also moved the damaged motorcycle to the end of Puckpool Close – a cul-de-sac not far from the scene of the crash. He was later located by Police at St Mary’s Hospital. Appearing at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on 12th December, Cassford pleaded guilty to failing to stop after a road accident, driving without a licence and driving without insurance. The case was adjourned for sentencing, with Magistrates passing their sentence on Friday (26th January). Alan Cassford was handed a 12-month driving ban, fined £120 and was made subject to an 18-month community order with 30 rehabilitation days attached. He was ordered to pay £85 costs with a £114 surcharge.