Biker avoids jail after 120mph rush-hour chase
A man has escaped jail but been banned from driving after leading police on a high-speed motorbike chase during rush hour.
Laurence Oakford, 33, of Hamilton Drive, in Wiltshire, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and failing to stop for police during the pursuit on 12 April.
He was riding his motorbike at 120mph (193km/h) and dangerously overtaking on the A4361 near Wroughton, on the outskirts of Swindon.
Appearing at Salisbury Magistrates' Court, he was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison suspended for 24 months.
During the pursuit, Wiltshire Police officers attempted to catch up with Oakfield.
Police had to give up the chase because of the high speeds involved.
Oakford was arrested two days later at his home.
He has been disqualified for obtaining a licence for 24 months and ordered to pay £85 in costs and £154 surcharge.
PC Ben Greening from the Roads Policing Unit said Oakford's actions were dangerous.
“The speeds at which Oakford reached whilst failing to stop for police were absolutely unacceptable, especially given this was during a busy time of day and approaching areas where there were likely to be pedestrians.
"He showed a total disregard for other road users and it is really quite extraordinary that nobody was injured or worse killed as a result of his stupidity.
“I am pleased he has been taken off the roads and no longer poses a danger to others.”
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