Reckless rider lost control of motorcycle on speed bump during high-speed pursuit in Hull

A reckless motorcyclist who hurtled along roads at high speed while fleeing from the police later came to grief in spectacular fashion after losing control on a speed bump and falling off.

Craig Rowland – a bosun's mate on a famous polar research ship that the public voted to name 'Boaty McBoatface' – quickly ran off down a street when disaster struck but he was later found behind a wall hurriedly trying to put a motorcycle helmet into a rucksack, Hull Crown Court heard.

Rowland, 35, of Dayton Road, off County Road South, Hull, admitted dangerous driving and having no insurance and driving licence on March 8.

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Natalie Dean, prosecuting, said that Rowland was riding a motorcycle in Hull when he overtook police, who were in a marked vehicle. He overtook another vehicle and police followed him and signalled for him to stop.

Rowland pulled in to stop but, after the police stopped behind him, he sped off before overtaking more vehicles. He rode the motorcycle through red traffic lights, causing other motorists to have to take evasive action.

Rowland continued on to North Road and, while he was in a 20mph zone, he overtook vehicles at 50mph before reaching speeds of 70mph, causing other drivers to have to take evasive action to get out of his way, said Miss Dean.

Rowland lost control of the motorcycle while hurtling over a speed bump and he fell off. He ran down the nearest street. A member of the public directed police down Council Avenue in pursuit of Rowland.

"They found him behind a wall putting a motorcycle helmet in a rucksack," said Miss Dean. Rowland was arrested and he admitted that he had previously been disqualified from driving.

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He had convictions for three previous offences, including drink-driving in 2012 as well as driving while unfit and careless driving, sentenced in 2020, when he was banned from driving for three years.

Benjamin Donnell, mitigating, said that Rowland pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. He was very remorseful and he acted out of character.

Mr Donnell said that Rowland worked as a bosun's mate for the British Antarctic Survey on the polar vessel the Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough. There were glowing character references for him.

The ship, owned by the Natural Environment Research Council, previously became famous when it was originally named Boaty McBoatface after the ill-fated idea of asking members of the public to suggest a name for it. Boaty McBoatface turned out to be the most popular choice of name after a mischievous campaign quickly gathered pace.

Judge Alexander Menary told Rowland that the incident happened when the defendant took his father's motorcycle for a ride to "clear your head". He was at first riding in a sensible manner, including overtaking the police.

He rode off at speed when he was asked to stop. Rowland put himself at significant risk of harm and this was "off the chart" because others had to take evasive action to avoid him by swerving.

Judge Menary said that Rowland had held a good job as a bosun's mate for a significant period of time and it was important that he was able to continue with that employment in the future.

Rowland was given a one-year suspended prison sentence and 150 hours' unpaid work. He was banned from driving for 18 months and must pass an extended retest before he can drive legally again.

"Don’t swing the lead," said Judge Menary. "If you and I meet again, there will be big trouble. Commit any further offences during the next 18 months and you will go to prison straight away."