Learner biker theatened to knock out police patrol

A motorcyclist who threatened to 'knock out' a police officer who pulled him over has been given a four-week curfew.
Wigan and Leigh CourthouseWigan and Leigh Courthouse
Wigan and Leigh Courthouse

An officer on patrol in Lancaster Road, Hindley, had stopped learner rider Dean Irvine before the confrontation, Wigan and Leigh magistrates were told.

Prosecutor Tess Kenyon said Irvine, when questioned about why he was not display L plates, was immediately “volatile” and was asked to calm down.

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But he remained agitated and was warned several times about his behaviour, before telling the officer he would “knock him out”.

Irvine was then taken hold of and detained, the court heard, before he was taken to Wigan police station for questioning.

When he was searched by police, a small amount of cannabis was found in his clothing, which was said to be for his personal use.

Irvine, 22, of Norfolk Close, Hindley Green, pleaded guilty to using threatening words or behaviour, driving without a licence, driving without insurance and possession of cannabis.

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He must stay indoors between 7pm and 7am and was banned from driving for 12 months.

The justices also fined him £120 with £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

The bench was also given a report indicating that the defendant suffered from mental health problems.

Martin Jones, defending, said the report was appropriate as his client maintained that the police officer who dealt with him was aware of his difficulties and had been antagonistic towards him.

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He told the court that the defendant, who lives with his mother and had stayed out of trouble since 2010, remained on medication for his condition.

The court heard that the uninsured bike, which belonged to his cousin, had been seized by police and was not being returned. Irvine was now having to repay his relative for the lost machine.

Passing sentence, the chairman of the bench said: “It is a serious offence and the police officer was only doing his job.”