AN unlicensed rider on an off-road motorcycle swerved onto a path to avoid hitting a vehicle in front, but collided with a passenger stepping off a bus.

Jon-paul Templeton was riding the off-road ‘pit bike’, through Kelloe, County Durham, when a service vehicle ahead pulled over at a bus stop in the village Front Street.

Durham Crown Court was told Templeton mounted the pavement and rode parallel with the bus, before striking a teenage boy alighting at the stop.

Both fell to the ground, but Templeton got up, picked up the bike and wheeled it away from the scene.

The 15-year-old victim suffered bleeding from the nose and mouth, requiring hospital treatment.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said Templeton was recognised by other passengers and was soon arrested, while the bike was recovered from a shed at his home.

It was found to have no rear brakes and was missing several other component parts, although it was otherwise mechanically sound.

Templeton said he rode it, with permission, off road, initially, before going “on road”.

He told police that as the brakes were not working well, describing them as "spongy", he swerved onto the path to avoid colliding with the back of the vehicle in front, when the bus ahead pulled up at the stop.

Templeton, 24, of Burnett Crescent, Kelloe, admitted dangerous driving, as well as using an unlicensed and uninsured vehicle.

Paul Currer, mitigating, told the court: “Notwithstanding the injuries caused, this has also had an impact on the defendant.

“He’s been in quite desperate straits at various stages during the summer and is very contrite.

“He’s still a young man, with relatively minor previous convictions, and none for traffic matters, so I would submit the sentence could be suspended.”

Judge Robert Adams told Templeton: “Unwisely, here, you were driving a bike which was completely unsuitable for road use.

“You appear to have been too close to another vehicle, between you and the bus, and, with no working back brakes.

“You were left with the option of going onto the wrong side of the road, risking collision with an oncoming vehicle, or, effectively, undertaking on the pavement.

“It resulted in you colliding with the unfortunate passenger who ought to have been safe getting off that bus.

“It was fortunate no serious injury appears to have been caused.”

Judge Adams imposed an eight month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, during which Templeton must undergo probation supervision.

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