Banned biker caught riding with no helmet

A helmetless motorcyclist was given a suspended sentence after police saw him riding his machine while banned.

Paul Routledge has either driven or ridden while disqualified 10 times in the past, South Northumbria Magistrates’ Court heard.

“Police were in the Witherwack area of Sunderland on other inquiries,” said Lee Poppett, prosecuting.

“Near the shops they saw a man they knew to be Routledge riding an offroad Yamaha motorcycle.

“He had no helmet, although the officers comment he was not riding fast.

“Routledge was not stopped at the time, but arrested a few days later outside a bar in the centre of Sunderland.

“When told what was going to happen, he asked if he could finish his night out first.”

Routledge, 32, of Pinewood Square, Southwick, admitted driving while disqualified, and riding a motorcycle without a helmet, both on June 12.

Joanne Gaetens, defending, said: “Mr Routledge does have a lot of previous convictions for driving while disqualified, but none for 10 years.

“He had just repaired the motorbike, and was testing it when he was seen by the police.

“Mr Routledge is the father of a seven-year-old who he sees regularly.

“There are concerns about the impact of separation on the child should Mr Routledge go to prison.

“He has not had a probation order for some time, and that may be more in the long term interests of the public if it reduces his offending.”

Routledge was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, including 33 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and he was ordered to pay £200 costs.