Rogue Sunderland moped rider banned after dangerously dragging PCSO along road

The officer suffered minor injuries after his arm was stuck in the bike’s handlebars for about 60ft when the uninsured teenager rode off while quizzed about why he had no helmet.

He managed to free himself during the incident in Tadcaster Road, Thorney Close, Sunderland, before the 17-year-old rider was arrested.

South Tyneside magistrates have now banned the youth, who cannot be named because of his age, after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, having no insurance, driving without a licence and failing to wear protective headgear on March 13.

He must also pass an extended competence test before he is allowed back on the roads at the end of his year’s disqualification.

In a statement to the court, the PCSO said: “This incident has left me shaken. I was worried that if this had caused more serious injuries that my future career would be in jeopardy.

“A lot of my work is tackling motorbike disorder and dangerous driving by motorcyclists.

"The public raise a lot of concerns, and I worry that similar actions and behaviours by riders could injure members of the public.”

Superintendent Barrie Joisce, of Northumbria Police, afterwards branded the teenager’s actions “absolutely ridiculous” and said: “Our officers come to work every day knowing they could be faced with dangerous or tricky situations, and clearly putting the public’s safety before their own is expected. But when they are faced with such needless risk, it’s vital that those responsible are dealt with appropriately.

“I would like to thank the officer involved for the professionalism and bravery he showed in order to protect the communities we serve.

He added: “We have spoken to a number of residents in the area and understand the corrosive impact that vehicle-related anti-social behaviour can have on the community.

“The actions of a minority who tear around residential areas can make some of the most vulnerable in our communities feel frightened and anxious.

“That’s why, through Operation Brimstone, we are actively targeting bike-related disorder and doing all we can to make sure these vehicles are taken off our streets.”

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Sunderland Echo website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.