A teenage motorcyclist struck pedestrians walking home from bonfire night celebrations.

Jack Sheppard rode at excess speed while road closures were in place for the Barcombe fireworks display on November 19, 2022.

He hit a group of pedestrians in the village’s High Street, causing one woman serious, life-changing injuries.

Sheppard, who had attended the display, rode at an estimated 40mph in the road closure, when the usual speed limit is 30mph when the road is open.

Now aged 19, he appeared before Lewes Crown Court on April 22 where he admitted causing serious injuries by dangerous driving.

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Sheppard, of Spithurst Road, Barcombe, was sentenced to 21 months detention in a young offenders’ institution.

He was disqualified from driving or riding for two years and ten months.

Investigating officer Tudor Wells from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “This collision left one woman unconscious with serious, life-changing injuries.

“Another woman also had to be taken to hospital, and three other people sustained minor injuries.

“It should have been obvious to Sheppard that road closures were in place and he should not have been riding. He posed a danger to many people walking home in the village from bonfire night.

“It demonstrates the dangers of motorists travelling at excess speed, and Sheppard was lucky not to have caused even more serious harm or a fatality.”