Banned driver caught on scrambler

A banned driver caught on a scrambler motorbike shortly after appearing in court on other driving matters has been jailed for 18 months.

Belfast Crown Court also heard that two weeks beforehand, Belfast man Ronald Black, 23, was released having served time for other driving offences.

Black, of Alliance Road, admitted driving while disqualified, dangerous driving and having no insurance.

He was caught in north Belfast after evading a police checkpoint.

Police had set up the checkpoint close to the Crumlin Road just before 1200 BST on November 15 last year.

They tried to stop Black, whose bike did not have a number plate or wing mirrors.

However, he drove down a pedestrian walkway, mounted the pavement and came close to colliding with people waiting at a bus stop on the Ballysillan Road.

"It looked to the officers that an accident was inevitable," the prosecuting lawyer said, adding that "Black managed to avoid any contact or injury".

After his arrest at Joanmount Drive, Black intially told police he did not think his driving had been dangerous.