A MAN pictured riding an off-road motorbike with a young person not wearing a helmet has been fined for using the vehicle on park land.

Craig Wallis – who does not own a driving licence – was spotted using the bike to ride around land off Hunden’s Lane, in Darlington, in September last year.

Police in the town were appealing for members of the public to forward on images or reports of anti-social behaviour in a bid to crackdown on nuisance off-road bikers, with a picture of Wallis passed on to the force.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard on Thursday that the 38-year-old, of Lansdowne Street, in Darlington, had been pictured using the bike with a young person sitting in front, who was not wearing a helmet.

Tom Morgan, mitigating for Wallis, told the court that although his client does not hold a driving licence, a friend will take him and his bikes to an off-road track where bike use is permitted on a monthly basis.

Mr Morgan added that Wallis has since purchased a helmet to ensure other riders on the bike are protected.

Wallis pleaded guilty to driving his bike on common land, driving without insurance and permitting a young person to ride a motorbike without protective head gear.

The chairman of the bench addressed Wallis and said: “The no insurance matter is the most serious and there will be a £120 fine given your early guilty plea.

“There will also be six points on your licence. For driving on common land, there is a £67 fine and for the no head gear for a young person, there is a £67 fine."