Stinger deployed to end high-speed motorbike pursuit after illegal riders flee police

Three Swansea men illegally riding off-road bikes through the coastal city have been given suspended prison sentences following a high speed motorcycle pursuit, and the use of a stinger.

All three were seen riding dangerously between Swansea Marina and Oystermouth Road on January 27, as well as ignoring red traffic lights. They then failed to stop for officers, leading to a police motorcyclist pursuit.

Three stinger sites were then set up in the Mumbles area, successfully puncturing the tyres on all of the bikes, which were later recovered by the South Wales force.

“Tackling the criminal use of both road registered and unregistered off-road motorcycles and their anti-social and illegal use is an important priority for all officers,” Sergeant Richard Coulthard of the Territorial Crime Team (TCT) said.

“There appears to be a perception that the police are unable to stop and detain these riders, who flout the laws and cause danger to themselves and others. Our highly trained officers may however be authorised to make use of numerous tactics to safely stop these machines and detain the riders and put them before the courts.”

Joshua Miller, 20, Keiron Paton, 18, and Fraser Saunders, 20, have now all appeared in court for sentencing, with Saunders admitting to driving whilst disqualified and without insurance. He was sentenced to 48 weeks in prison, suspended over 18 months, and disqualified from driving for three years.

Keiron Paton was also charged and convicted with handling stolen property in relation to the motorbike used in the offence and got 40 weeks in prison again suspended over 18 months. He must undergo an extended re-test to get his licence back, after an 18-month suspension.

Meanwhile, Joshua Miller received 24 weeks in prison suspended over 18 months and has also been disqualified from driving for 18 months and must also take an extended re-test. All three riders will also wear an electronic tag, with curfew conditions, for three months.

“Aside from the personal safety to the riders, their pillion passengers and the general public along with the noise nuisance aspects, the riders are committing road traffic offences such as driving without insurance or MoT each time they ride on the road,” Sergeant Coulthard added.