Jail term for 130mph motorcyclist

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Police footage of their pursuit of Christopher O'Donovan

A biker who reached speeds of 130mph (209kph) on an A-road through Wiltshire has been jailed for 15 months.

Christopher O'Donovan, 44, from Devizes, outran a fleet of police cars and a force helicopter before returning home to bed, Swindon Crown Court heard.

O'Donovan had earlier pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving while disqualified on his Kawasaki ZX600.

He was told he must serve at least half his sentence and was also disqualified from driving for three years.

After sentencing, Supt Matt Pullen of Wiltshire Police said the force would not tolerate anyone who sought to "flagrantly disobey the law".

"This was an incredibly irresponsible act in which the motorcyclist put his own life and the lives of other road users in extreme danger," he said.

This sends a strong message that the criminal justice system and our community safety partners will not tolerate this type of behaviour Insp Dean Knight

"It also shows blatant disregard for the laws which apply to all road users.

"The court has shown that this behaviour is unacceptable and that those who drive in such a manner will have to face the consequences of their actions."

Insp Dean Knight added: "I am pleased the court has dealt with this person so robustly.

"Excess speed is one of the main causes of collisions and this sends a strong message that the criminal justice system and our community safety partners will not tolerate this type of behaviour."

In 2002, motorcyclist Lee Beddis was caught on a speed camera travelling at 155mph on the A465 in Wales and given a 180 hour community punishment order.

The following year, Andrew Osborne was jailed for 28 days after overtaking a lorry at 157mph on an A-road near Buckingham.