TWO ‘nuisance’ bikers speeding along on off-road machines collided with one-another while being pursued by the police, Bradford Crown Court heard today.

Adam Thornton was apprehended at the scene but the other rider remounted his bike and made off.

Thornton, 30, of St Mary’s Crescent, Wyke, Bradford, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, riding the bike unlicensed and uninsured, and possession of a small amount of cannabis.

He was spared an immediate prison sentence after writing a ‘heartfelt’ letter to the judge apologising for being ‘an absolute idiot’ that day.

Prosecutor John Hobley told the court that police officers on patrol in a marked vehicle saw three off-road bikes on Gain Lane, Bradford, at 4pm on September 18.

The bikes had no registration plates and the riders were speeding and passing other vehicles. The police officers activated their blue lights and sirens and set off after the group.

Mr Hobley said that Thornton, on a green and white machine, was seen to ride along the pavement at 50mph.

He and another member of the group then ran into one another and were thrown from their machines. One made off but Thornton gave himself up and was apprehended at the scene.

His barrister, Lydia Pearce, said the probation service recommended a sentence that he could serve in the community.

Miss Pearce said that Thornton was a father and very fearful of the prospect of custody.

Recorder Tahir Khan KC said he and two others were causing a nuisance when riding the bikes on a public road.

They were chased by the police and he had the good sense to give himself up.

He then pleaded guilty at the first opportunity at the magistrates’ court.

Thornton had no previous convictions for bad driving and his letter to the court was ‘heartfelt.’ He knew he had been stupid, saying he was ‘an absolute idiot’ that day.

Recorder Khan said that no great harm had been done. The collision that took place in-volved two people who were both driving dangerously.

Thornton was in employment and assessed by his probation officer as being at a low risk of reoffending.

He was sentenced to ten months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and banned from driving for 12 months and until he passes an extended test.

He was also ordered to do 140 hours of unpaid work for the community.