Yahoo News Stoke-on-Trent biker hits speeds of 134mph in 60mph zone
Biker Martyn Billings hit speeds of 134mph in a 60mph zone. The 44-year-old was speeding when he crossed solid white lines to overtake vehicles.
The manoeuvres were captured by a police officer riding an unmarked motorbike fitted with recording equipment in August. The defendant's BMW S1000RR motorbike had an obscured number-plate.
It was being ridden in convoy with a second biker who appeared to have no number-plate and has still not been traced.
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Now Billings, of Merrion Drive, Bradeley, has dodged jail after admitting dangerous driving in Cheshire. He has been handed a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and been banned from driving for two years.
A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "During the officer's pursuit of Billings, they observed him repeatedly exceeding the speed limit, being witnessed travelling 74mph in a 40mph zone, crossing over the solid white line road markings, and overtaking several vehicles in one manoeuvre. Billings later made no attempt to slow at a set of bends and his speed remained between 60mph and 70mph upon entering a 50mph speed limit zone. His motorcycle approached traffic ahead, now in a series of bends, with solid white line centre markings. Despite these obvious hazards and road markings, without any hesitation, Billings contravened the end of the solid white lines and overtook the rearmost car at over 60mph.
"It was at this stage that the pursuing officer lost sight of Billings and the other rider due to their increased speed and their dangerous riding making it unsafe to follow. Concerned for the safety of other road users and pedestrians, the officer activated the blue lights on their motorbike in an attempt to make ground on the speeding riders. The officer eventually caught up with the duo but, despite having blue lights activated, the riders increased their speed upon the road straightening out. Fitted equipment on the police bike captured Billings reaching 100mph in a 60mph zone, before accelerating even further and reaching a top speed of 134mph.
"Billings, who was travelling in the rear position of the convoy, eventually reacted to the officer's presence, still travelling at a speed nearing 100mph, and pulled over. The other motorcycle, which the officer noted had no obvious number plate displayed, made no attempt to stop and fled from the scene.
"At the roadside, Billings was apologetic to the officer, justifying his actions by claiming he only exceeded the speed limit in areas where he felt it was safe to do so. He also declined to reveal the identity of his fellow rider. The officer then explained the potential tragic outcomes that his driving could lead to, cautioning him, and informing him that he would be prosecuted."
The suspended prison sentence includes 300-hours community service. Billings will have to pass an extended test before being allowed to drive again.
PC Philip Brewster, from the police's roads and crime unit, said: "The riding by Billings was extreme and unnecessary. Throughout he subjected himself and other road users to significant risk of harm without good cause. Regardless of whether you choose to ride a bike or drive a car, we take road safety in Cheshire very seriously and we will always take swift action against you if you choose to flout the rules of the road and put the lives of others in danger."
