Latest news with #JudgeRichardBennett
BBC News
02-08-2025
- BBC News
Danger driver attacked police after Bishop Auckland crash
A dangerous driver who attacked a police officer after crashing during a drug-fuelled pursuit has been spared jail by a judge who said he had "turned his life around" in the Trotter, 38, reached 60mph in a 30mph zone, drove through red lights and into the path of oncoming traffic before crashing into a car in Bishop Auckland in March 2024, Durham Crown Court had driven to the area under the influence of heroin, crack cocaine and alcohol to go shoplifting, the court was was jailed for 18 months suspended for two years after admitting dangerous driving and assaulting an emergency worker. Believing Trotter was driving a Citroen C2 under the influence, a police officer in a marked car attempted to stop him near the shopping park at Tindale Crescent at about 21:00 GMT on 21 March last year, the court initially stopping, Trotter, who had passengers in the car, then sped away when the officer got out of his car, Judge Richard Bennett then followed a nearly two minute-long pursuit in which Trotter sped through a red light and caused other cars to have to get out of the way, the court ended when Trotter mounted a pavement and hit a car and electricity substation. 'Canny driving' Trotter then attempted to run away and pushed the police officer in the face, breaking the PC's glasses, before a passing off-duty officer stopped to help bring him under control, the judge admitted he had taken drugs and drink but denied being the driver, the court confronted with footage captured by the police car's dashcam, Trotter, of Stockton Road in Hartlepool, replied: "I think it's canny good driving."Judge Bennett said Trotter had bought the car for £150 to sleep in and had travelled to Barnard Castle from west Durham that day to go shoplifting, all while under the influence of drugs. The judge said the pursuit ended "not because of a change of heart" by Trotter but rather because he Judge Bennett added, the incident had been a turning point for Trotter who in the aftermath sought help for his drug addiction and moved to a new area to escape the influence of other judge said he often disbelieved such claims made by defendants in court, but there was evidence of "significant and positive changes" in Trotter's case, including a string of negative drug Bennett said it was an "extremely rare case where someone has turned their around", but warned Totter he would be jailed if he breached the suspended sentence who also admitted driving without a licence or insurance and failing to provide a specimen, was ordered to pay £500 compensation to the owner of the car he hit and £34.50 for new glasses for the must also comply with a six-month curfew and was banned from driving for two and half years. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Telegraph
10-05-2025
- Telegraph
Pensioner put into coma after being hit by e-bike calls for crackdown
Speaking from his home in Middlesbrough, the man said: 'The sale of these illegal off-road bikes should be controlled. They should only be sold to people with full driving licences who have shown they can obey the rules of the road. 'I had sat down at the bus stop for a breather. But when I got up again I stepped out onto the pavement and the bike hit me. Because it's electric, I couldn't hear it coming.' His injuries mean he now struggles to wash himself and cannot look after his grandson. He told the court: 'Now I struggle to lift my right arm and find everyday tasks, such as washing myself, difficult. I'm hypersensitive if I go out, particularly if I see a bike. I have been advised it will take me 18 months to properly recover. 'I'm angry he was on the bike on the pavement. He acted in an entitled manner. I hope no other person has to go through the trauma I have been through.' Allday, from Guisborough, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was disqualified from driving on a public road for two-and-a-half-years, and must pass an extended driving test before he is allowed back on the roads. Sentencing him, Judge Richard Bennett said the electric bike was not 'road legal' and should not have been on either the road or pavement. Speed restrictions Seizures by the police of illegally modified e-bikes almost doubled last year, amid concerns their speed and weight present a lethal threat to pedestrians. Under existing laws, an e-bike must have a motor with no more than 250 watts of power, restricted to speeds below 15.5mph. They must also require the rider to pedal – as opposed to being operated by an accelerator button on the handles. Police have caught a string of people using illegal e-bikes on motorways, while motorcycle manufacturers complain they are also being adopted by food delivery riders to race around towns and cities. The pensioner added: 'The police can't follow people on these powerful e-bikes, no matter what laws are passed. 'I see them travelling at speed all the time around here. Some lads are even on quad bikes.'
