Bike thief brothers spared jail following 'incredibly dangerous' police pursuit

Two brothers, who attempted to evade Nottinghamshire Police on a pair of stolen motorcycles by riding into oncoming traffic, have been handed suspended prison sentences in court.

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Josh and Mark Bowler were apprehended on Wednesday, 8 February 2023 shortly after Josh, 21, took a motorcycle from outside a shop in Sherwood, Nottingham.

Police traced the duo to the roads surrounding Broxtowe Country Park, where it became apparent that the other motorcycle being ridden had also been taken – this time from the Bestwood estate on Saturday, 14 January 2023 by 19-year-old Mark.

Attempting to flee officers, the pair used tactics including riding along the wrong side of the road, towards oncoming traffic. Josh then abandoned his bike and tried to jump onto the back of his brother.

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During this manoeuvre though, Police officers moved in – making low speed tactical contact with the siblings before they could ride away – sending them flying into the grass verge. Mark also showed traces of cannabis during a roadside drugs wipe.

“The level of riding demonstrated by both Bowler brothers was incredibly dangerous and put other road users at risk,” Inspector Declan Bourne, of Nottinghamshire Police said. “It is only thanks to some luck and the skilled driving of the officers in pursuit that there weren’t any injuries – including to both riders – during this incident.”

Both brothers pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle, and driving without insurance. Mark was then also charged with handling stolen goods and drug-driving, with Josh was also charged with driving without a valid licence. Both admitted to these charges, too.

Josh Bowler appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Friday, 5 January 2024, receiving 15 months in prison, suspended for two years.

He was also banned from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 12 months and ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. Brother Mark, meanwhile, appeared much earlier on 29 September 2023, and was sentenced to a year, suspended for 18 months.

He was also ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and 11 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was further banned from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 12 months.