punishment fit the crime?

[RACER X]

Biker jailed after 150mph Police chase

Biker jailed after 150mph Police chase
By Visordown News
Court slams speeding biker after he sped from Police in high speed chase

A 150MPH Police chase which continued across two counties has resulted in a biker being jailed for 12 months.
Camera footage taken from a police helicopter showed 44-year-old Cameron Stalker undertaking motorists, weaving in and out of traffic and reaching speeds of between 100 and 120mph through built-up areas. Stalker later sped away from police who were chasing at 150mph.

Prosecutor John Brennan told the court: "He was moving from lane to lane at speeds of between 100 and 120mph. When police were following him while he was travelling south he was accelerating away when they were travelling at 150mph."

Despite pleas from the defence, Stalker was sentenced to 12 months behind bars and banned him from the roads for two years.

The judge said: "It is remarkable that you did not kill yourself but it is also remarkable you did not kill someone else at the same time. Putting members of the public at risk as you did means there must be some sort of a deterrent sentence, not just to punish you but to remind others if they use the roads in this fashion they will be dealt with by the courts severely."

[CrazyKell]

I have never understood why people think it's okay to run off like that. Complete disregard for others.

BUT......what about the cop? 150mph seems kind of excessive and like he/she was putting a whole lot of lives in danger too.

[DaveDD]

Where was this?

[RACER X]

looks like the UK

http://bikerholic.com/2009/01/09/150...for-12-months/

A biker who sparked a 150mph police chase which continued across two counties has been jailed for 12 months.

Cameron Stalker travelled between 100 and 120mph through built-up areas and later sped away from police who were chasing at 150mph.

Camera footage taken from a police helicopter which joined the chase captured Stalker undertaking motorists and weaving in and out of traffic at phenomenal speed.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how the married dad, who has failed his motorcycle driving test three times, was first spotted on May 26 last year on the A1 at Washington Services on his Yahama road bike.

He then headed to Chester-le-Street Durham before returning to the A1 where he travelled north to Lobley Hill on Tyneside.

Prosecutor John Brennan told the court: “He was moving from lane to lane at speeds of between 100 and 120mph.

“When police were following him while he was travelling south he was accelerating away when they were travelling at 150mph.”

The 16-mile chase came to an end when Stalker abandoned the 998cc bike outside his home, waved at the police helicopter then waited for officers to arrive and arrest him.

Stalker admitted in interview he had been a “lunatic” and confessed: “It was ridiculous”.

The court heard how the bike had been adapted to become a racing bike and was capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in three seconds.

It could get from 0-100mph in just six seconds and had a top speed of more than 160mph.

Mr Brennan added: “It would not be roadworthy in the strict sense because it had no lights, indicators or horn.”

The court heard that Stalker, who works as a chef, has done catering for Sunderland AFC, as well as Newcastle and Middlesbrough football clubs.

The 44-year-old, of Maughan Gardens, Gateshead, has worked at eateries throughout the country and brushed shoulders with celebrity chefs during his career.

He handed in a bundle of character references for the judge to read at the hearing.

Defence barrister Christopher Mitford said Stalker was a highly able rider who had trained at competition level with the Motorcycle Union and the bike was in perfect condition.

But he added: “He accepts his driving was very bad.”

At an earlier hearing Stalker had admitted dangerous driving.

Mr Recorder Christopher Attwool sentenced Stalker to 12 months behind bars and banned him from the roads for two years.

The judge said: “It is remarkable that you did not kill yourself but it is also remarkable you did not kill someone else at the same time.

“Putting members of the public at risk as you did means there must be some sort of a deterrent sentence, not just to punish you but to remind others if they use the roads in this fashion they will be dealt with by the courts severely.”

[fasternyou929]

Originally Posted by DaveDD

Where was this?

That's what I was wondering. The "defence" spelling made me think it was a Canadian paper, but they also refer to everything in MPH.

ETA: Nevermind, looks like the mystery's been solved.

[Mr Lefty]

I say YES!

[Gas Man]

Excessive punishment if you ask me.

Cops should have broke off pursuit!

[Mr Lefty]

Originally Posted by Gas Man

Excessive punishment if you ask me.

Cops should have broke off pursuit!

I agree they should have broken off pursuit... but I think the punishment is fitting

[nhgunnut]

He played then game, he knew the rules and it is more than fair!

[FT BSTRD]

Considering my in-laws were recently plowed in the rear end by a guy running from the police at 100mph+ (and later died of his injuries), I'd say that the sentence is justified and may save the life of this guy and the lives of the folks he hits next time out.