A 21-year-old man who mowed down a teenage pedestrian on an illegal electric motorbike in Ryde High Street has been handed a suspended prison sentence and a 12-month driving ban.
Patrick Douglas, of Fishbourne Lane, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court for sentencing last week after previously admitting a string of offences relating to the shocking incident, which took place on the evening of 5th January this year, as first reported by Island Echo.
The court had heard that Douglas was riding an electric motorbike at speed through the pedestrianised section of Ryde High Street with a passenger on board when he struck a 17-year-old girl, leaving her injured on the ground. He then fled the scene on foot.
The whole thing was captured on CCTV, which led to Douglas pleading guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident, riding without insurance, riding without a licence, and failing to wear protective headgear.
Thankfully, the pedestrian, who was taken to hospital for a CT scan, escaped serious injury.
At sentencing, Magistrates imposed a total sentence of 36 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, citing the seriousness of the incident, the vulnerability of the pedestrian, and the speed at which Douglas was travelling. They also noted his lack of previous convictions and potential for rehabilitation.
Douglas has been ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and attend up to 20 rehabilitation activity days. He must also pay £500 in compensation to the victim, £85 in prosecution costs, and a £187 victim surcharge.
He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months and must take an extended retest before regaining his licence.
PC Beeson from the Ryde Neighbourhood Policing Team, previously said:
“The recklessness shown by Douglas, and the cowardice in leaving the scene and making no effort to take accountability in the immediate aftermath of the collision is shocking.
“I hope this serves as a reminder of the consequences of using any vehicle recklessly in public. Not only do you risk seriously harming someone, but you place yourself at risk and could end up with a criminal record.”
How will he learn . That isn’t a punishment.. he was riding an electric motorcycle in a pedestrian precinct at speed .. hit some poor girl … left the screen quickly to hide his contraband and clean up at home so no evidence of his evening activities could be found … there’s no mention he handed himself in either .. that should be a minimum of 2years inside
I agree with other comment
definitely shouldn’t be suspended sentence especially as was endangering two lives with passenger as they aren’t safe even just for one person
If the bike was illegal it should be seized and crushed.
So no real sentence then, just a wrist slap. That’s why these things happen – there’s no real penalty. More victims and more wrist slaps will be the outcome – never ending.
There’s not a mention of the scooter being confiscated either.