Motorbiker tells court in Worthing he 'cannot control himself'

Ben Hawkins performed the daredevil manoeuvre in front of an unmarked police car on the A27.

The 25-year-old was warned he could have his bike taken away if he continued to ride dangerously but just a week later he was spotted overtaking recklessly.

Hawkins was banned from driving for 18 months - and has now agreed to sell his motorcycle.

The A27 between Fontwell and Tangmere

Hawkins was originally caught doing more than 70mph on A27 between Fontwell and Tangmere.

When stopped by police officers, Hawkins admitted he “had been showing off to his friends”.

He was reported for dangerous driving and police warned him he could have his bike seized if he was caught again.

But a week later on February 5, Hawkins was spotted on the A281 in Henfield where he attempted an overtake across solid double white lines.

Hawkins, of Hatherleigh Gardens, Bognor, told the officer that when he rides he “cannot control himself”.

He appeared at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on June 1 where he admitted driving dangerously, as well as driving without due care and attention.

The court ordered him to complete 150 hours of unpaid work as part of an eight-week suspended prison sentence.

Hawkins was disqualified from driving for 18 months and must take an extended retest before he is allowed to drive or ride again.

He must also pay an £85 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

The court heard how he has agreed to sell the bike after it was initially seized by officers.

He has agreed to sell his motorbike

After the case, Tom Van Der Wee, roads policing unit police constable, said: “By his own admission, Hawkins could not control himself, and will now not be able to drive or ride on our roads for 18 months.

“This case shows all offenders they risk having their vehicle seized and forfeited.

“Each year officers take part in Operation Downsway, running through the summer, to detect and deter anti-social and dangerous drivers and riders.

“Our aim is to reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on our roads due to the 'fatal five' factors of excess speed, drink and drug-driving, driving without a seatbelt, distraction (such as by a mobile phone), and careless or inconsiderate driving.

“We are determined to catch offenders who put their own safety and the safety of everyone else at risk.”