Off-road biker jailed after knocking down 16-year-old with motorbike

A teenager was left with a fractured ankle and kneecap after he was hit by a motorbike at Carley Hill Quarry in Sunderland in April 2018.

Nathan Yates, 27, of Chestnut Crescent, Sunderland, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was sentenced to eight months imprisonment when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court last week (February 25).

Now police have warned other off-road bikers that they could suffer the same fate and end up in a prison cell should they continue to endanger the lives of others.

Sergeant Louise Mcclennan of Northumbria Police, said: “The reckless and irresponsible use of off-road motorbikes are not only incredibly dangerous, but can have a significant and adverse impact on the communities we serve.

“It can be incredibly intimidating and harmful to the most vulnerable members of our society when offenders tear around on motorbikes, committing crime and destroying the fabric of our communities.

“Carley Hill Quarry is one of a number of hotspot areas where off-road bikers are known to put their own lives and the lives of others in grave danger – and this case highlights the very serious consequences if something goes wrong.

“Nathan Yates was totally oblivious of the potential risks and real harm that he caused his victim after driving into him at high speed. His decision to ignore the police and ride in that area has now resulted in him being put behind bars."