'Stupid' electric bike rider almost hit parent and child during police chase through Rhyl

May 03, 2023

Leon Faulkner of Ffordd Parc Bodnant, Prestatyn, was spotted riding the bike - gifted to him as a 'present' - six days after his 18th birthday

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A "stupid and immature" rider narrowly missed a child while being chased on his electric bike by police. Leon Faulkner was already disqualified when he was spotted riding the bike - gifted to him as a 'present' - six days after his 18th birthday.

One police car then a second followed him as he pulled wheelies and mounted pavements to get away during the incident near Rhyl town centre.

But a judge said Faulkner's age was in his favour and sentenced him to a period in a young offenders' institution but suspended the term. Dashcam footage from one of the police cars was played in court showing the pursuit.

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Prosecutor Dafydd Roberts told Mold Crown Court an officer in a police car spotted the electric bike on Marsh Road, Rhyl, on January 1 at about 3.30pm. The rider pulled wheelies and the officer drove after him, his siren on and lights flashing.

Mr Roberts said the rider narrowly missed a parent and child as he turned right. Later he turned into the Home Bargains store car park but left and went back towards Marsh Road.

The pursuit of the off road bike, which reached speed of 40mph, had been over less than a mile and lasted a few minutes. Another police car joined the chase but Faulkner was lost. He abandoned his bike but was caught nearby and arrested.

He admitted driving a motor vehicle dangerously, driving whilst disqualified and driving with no insurance. Elen Owen, defending, said her client had acted out of "immaturity and stupidity" and "youthful anger".

He had been given the electric motorbike worth £3,500 by his parents. He had been effectively homeless but comes to court with his mother, sister and girlfriend with whom he now rents a flat.

Ms Owen said unemployed Faulkner, of Ffordd Parc Bodnant, Prestatyn, is extremely remorseful and is fearful to learn his fate. He has learned his lesson, she added.

The court heard the defendant had already been disqualified for 12 months for drug driving when these offences took place in Rhyl. That ban was due to end this October.

Today the judge His Honour Rhys Rowlands said: "If you had hit that child one shudders to think what the consequences would have been." He had taken unnecessary risks over a protracted period of time but has some insight into his offending.

He gave Faulkner a 32-week period in a young offenders' institution suspended for 18 months for dangerous driving. He must do 150 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

There were no separate penalties for driving whilst disqualified and having no insurance but he must pay a £180 surcharge.

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