Dangerous Wheelie-Rider Jailed After Daring Police Chase in Brighton
A reckless biker caught performing wheelies on Brighton’s roads has landed behind bars. Ryan Burtenshaw, 24, showed zero respect for the law during a thrilling police pursuit in January.
Caught on Camera Doing Wheelies, Then Dashing From Police
Footage reveals Burtenshaw leading officers from the Specialist Enforcement Unit (SEU) on an unmarked police car along Old Shoreham Road and towards Dyke Road. Despite being chased, he refused to stop and smashed out another wheelie.
He then sped off through a 20mph zone, careering wildly without any concern for pedestrians or other drivers. During the short but dangerous pursuit, Burtenshaw narrowly avoided crashing into people and vehicles.
Wet Streets & Roadworks Couldn’t Save Burtenshaw
The court heard how the roads were wet from rain on that day, making his stunts even more perilous. Burtenshaw initially dodged officers thanks to roadworks blocking the chase. But SEU identified him as the bike’s registered owner, forcing him to admit he was the rider.
Jailed and Stripped of Bike and Licence
The unemployed Brighton man pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, riding without a valid licence, and driving uninsured. On October 19, Judge Christine Laing KC slammed Burtenshaw for falling far below safe standards.
He was jailed for five months, banned from driving for one year and eight months, and had his motorcycle confiscated under a criminal deprivation order.
Burtenshaw will need to pass an extended retest before hitting the road again after his release and licence ban.
Chief Inspector Andy Saville said: “This case demonstrates our determination to catch offenders and to ensure our roads and communities in Brighton and Hove are kept safe. The offender in this case put his own safety and the safety of everyone else at risk. As a result, he has been jailed, disqualified, and had his vehicle confiscated by the courts.”
