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12/08/2008
Speeding Biker Handed 'Robust' Jail Sentence
A speeding biker has been jailed for 15 months for reaching speeds of up to 130 mph on an A-road.
Christopher O'Donovan, 44, who was banned from driving at the time of the offence, reached some of the highest speeds ever recorded on an A-road on his Kawasaki ZX600.
O'Donovan, from Devizes, fled from a fleet of 17 police cars before returning home - where he was eventually arrested.
Witnesses said a police helicopter also pursued O'Donovan who had pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving when disqualified on his Kawasaki ZX600.
He had initially denied dangerous driving but later changed his plea after footage was shown to him of the 23-mile chase.
He must serve at least half his sentence and has been disqualified from taking to the road again for three years.
Superintendant Matt Pullen of Wiltshire Police said they would "not tolerate anyone" who "seeks to flagrantly disobey the law".
Supt Pullen said the O'Donovan's actions showed "blatant disregard for the laws which apply to all road users".
Inspector Dean Knight of Devizes police said: "I am pleased the court has dealt with this person so robustly."
Insp Knight added that "excess speed is one of the main causes of collisions and this sends a strong message that the criminal justice system and our community safety partners will not tolerate this type of behaviour".
In 2003, Andrew Osborne was jailed for 28 days after overtaking a lorry at 157 mph on an A-road near Buckingham.
(DS)
Christopher O'Donovan, 44, who was banned from driving at the time of the offence, reached some of the highest speeds ever recorded on an A-road on his Kawasaki ZX600.
O'Donovan, from Devizes, fled from a fleet of 17 police cars before returning home - where he was eventually arrested.
Witnesses said a police helicopter also pursued O'Donovan who had pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving when disqualified on his Kawasaki ZX600.
He had initially denied dangerous driving but later changed his plea after footage was shown to him of the 23-mile chase.
He must serve at least half his sentence and has been disqualified from taking to the road again for three years.
Superintendant Matt Pullen of Wiltshire Police said they would "not tolerate anyone" who "seeks to flagrantly disobey the law".
Supt Pullen said the O'Donovan's actions showed "blatant disregard for the laws which apply to all road users".
Inspector Dean Knight of Devizes police said: "I am pleased the court has dealt with this person so robustly."
Insp Knight added that "excess speed is one of the main causes of collisions and this sends a strong message that the criminal justice system and our community safety partners will not tolerate this type of behaviour".
In 2003, Andrew Osborne was jailed for 28 days after overtaking a lorry at 157 mph on an A-road near Buckingham.
(DS)
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Green scheme for 'white van drivers'
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Green scheme for 'white van drivers'
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Staying cold. Any freezing fog that has formed overnight will slowly thin and disperse during the morning. Otherwise dry and bright much of the day with perhaps the odd coastal shower in the north and east. Maximum temperature 4 °C.Tonight:Dry at first with cloud thickening from the south through the evening. The odd shower, wintry over high ground, over northern counties, becoming more persistent rain over Down and Antrim. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
