Teenager disqualified from driving for 12 months

Teenager disqualified from driving for 12 months

Hi Resident

A teenage boy who rode his Sur-Ron bike illegally through the town centre of Hertford during a busy period has been found guilty of multiple offences. 

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Thursday 1 October), charged with:

After pleading not guilty to all offences at an earlier hearing at Stevenage Magistrates Court on Thursday 2 July, yesterday, He was found guilty on all counts and was handed a further 12-month disqualification and a nine-month youth offending referral order, as well as a fine.

This means that his ban includes any propelled motor vehicle, including sur-rons.

PC Greg Jones from the Hertford Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Illegal off-road bikes such as Sur-Rons pose a significant risk to pedestrians, other road users and the riders themselves.

“I welcome this court result and hope it provides reassurance to our communities that we will relentlessly pursue those who commit offences and put others at risk. Regardless of age, anyone who believes they can ignore the law and endanger the public can expect to face the consequences of their actions.

“We continue to receive reports of Sur-Rons and similar bikes being used illegally and anti-socially, particularly in Hertford town centre and around the Bircherley Green area. This behaviour causes concern within our communities and puts pedestrians, other road users and riders themselves at unnecessary risk.

“Tackling acquisitive crime remains a key priority for the Hertford Neighbourhood Policing Team. We will continue to take robust action to identify offenders, seize vehicles where appropriate and disrupt criminal activity.

“We would encourage anyone with information about the illegal use of these bikes, or any associated criminality, to report it to us. Information from the public is invaluable in helping us take positive action and keep our communities safe.”

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator via web chat at herts.police.uk/contact, or call the non-emergency number 101.  

Alternatively, you can remain anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.