Police officers forced to jump aside as modified electric bike accelerated towards them

A COURT has heard how a group of E-bike riders hurled abuse at officers as they sped down a narrow, pedestrianised alleyway in Pembroke town centre.

The officers had been informed via their radios that the E-bikes had been seen in Pembroke just before midnight on September 6.

“We heard them approaching down Orange Way, which is a strictly pedestrianised, very narrow alleyway,” commented one of the officers when the matter was brought before Haverfordwest magistrates this week. “We called for them to stop but they made no attempt to do so and shouted obscenities at us.”

One of the riders was 24-year-old garage mechanic Joshua Miller who was riding an electric Surron bike.

“He was driving slowly on the grass verge and the officers directed him to stop when he was less than a metre away from them,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan.

“One of the officers grabbed hold of him, but he continued gripping onto the handlebars of the bike.”

Miller then applied the throttle, causing the bike to move forwards.

“The two officers moved forwards with him, but fortunately neither of them were hurt,” added Sian Vaughan. “But that was more luck than judgement.”

Meanwhile county councillor Jonathan Grimes stressed to the court via a victim impact statement the problems that E-bikes similar to Miller’s are having on local communities.

“The use of E-bikes has had a significant impact on public confidence and safety,” he said. “I’ve been contacted by many residents who are concerned about these being ridden at speed by people wearing face coverings…and the wearing of balaclavas is of particular concern to many residents as they give off a very sinister look.”

Miller, of Marshall Road, Monkton, pleaded guilty to driving dangerously failing to stop his vehicle when directed to do so by police officers, and using the vehicle without third party insurance.

He was represented in court by solicitor Tom Lloyd, who said that since buying the E-bike, Miller has since spent approximately £10,000 on improving it.

“The defendant is aware of how serious this is, and deeply, deeply regrets it,” he said. “The proceedings have had a profound impact on him.

“After he was interviewed, he was placed on extremely strict bail conditions which included a daily curfew which he’s never once breached; this has been a particular hardship for a young man who’s extremely hard working, and reliable.

“He knows what he did is wrong and he’s deeply remorseful for what took place.”

Character references were submitted to the magistrates for their consideration prior to sentencing.

Miller must complete 150 hours of unpaid work during his 12 month Community Order. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and must take an extended driving test before getting back on the roads. A deprivation order was made for the E-scooter and for its removal from public circulation. Miller was also ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.

(Image: Stock image for illustrative purposes only)