Man jailed after breaking lockdown laws on defective motorbike

Craig Thompson was spotted with two other balaclava-clad off-road motorcyclists in Lower Broughton, Salford, Greater Manchester, on Monday afternoon.

They rode off but police followed on to Tabley Street and used a van to block the road.

Thompson, 29, drove his Yamaha 100 down the street and crashed into the police van, causing £1,000 damage, before trying to run away, but was arrested.

Martha Dowd, prosecuting, told Manchester Magistrates' Court that officers discovered the bike had no brakes or indicators and Thompson was unsteady on his feet, had "glazed" eyes and smelled of cannabis.

He also tested positive for cocaine at a police station.

Thompson, of Asgard Drive, Salford, pleaded guilty to driving dangerously, driving without a licence, driving without insurance and MOT, and criminal damage to a police van.

He also admitted contravening the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulations.

District Judge Margaret McCormack told Thompson: "I'm going to sentence you today to custody."

He was jailed for 22 weeks for dangerous driving, banned from driving for two years, and ordered to pay a £110 fine for breaking the Covid-19 lockdown rules.

He was also given two weeks concurrent jail for criminal damage with no separate penalty for the other offences, and ordered to pay £122 in court costs and victim impact surcharge.

Robert Moussalli, in mitigation, said his client had been at home but was invited by a friend to go out and ride off-road bikes on fields nearby.

Mr Moussalli added: "He regrets doing that."