Bikers treated other road users '˜like obstacles in a video game'

A judge yesterday told them they “treated other road users like they were obstacles in a video game.

All six riders admitted dangerous driving when they appeared at St Albans Crown Court yesterday.

The incident, which happened on April 13, 2014, involved the riders speeding from Bedford to the Hatfield tunnel along the A421 in Befordshire and the A1 for 40 miles.

Kevin Saunders, 29, Withnell Road, South Shore, was banned for 12 months, must take an extended retest and pay £500 costs.

Matthew Langley, 37, Banks Close, Marston Moretaine, Beds, was banned for three years from driving and ordered to take an extended retest.

Jonathan Wartnaby, 31, of Farrer Street, Kemspton was banned for 18 months, must take the extended retest and pay £500 costs.

Malik Blackburn, 31, of Corfe Road, Bedford, was banned for two years, must take an extended retest and pay £500 costs.

Axel Jones, 25, of Bedford Road, Turvey, near Bedford, must take an extended retest and pay £500 costs.

Matthew James, 28, Princess Street, Clapham, Bedford, was banned for 18 months, must take an extended retest and pay £500 costs.

Judge Plumstead told them: “It was showing off and juvenile behaviour. The pack mentality meant you egged each other on. It was an incredible display of idiocy.

“You treated other road users like they were obstacles in a video game. You give a bad name to those who go out to enjoy motorbikes.”

The court was told the police were alerted by other drivers terrified by the antics of the bikers. Ringleader Langley even filmed the chase on a camera attached to his helmet, the judge heard.