Motorbike Rider’s Dodgy ‘Theft’ Tale Crumbles After Crash in Worthing
A motorcyclist’s claim that his bike was stolen fell apart after a collision with a Mercedes in Worthing.
Crash Sparks Police Hunt
The smash happened around 11pm on February 9 on South Farm Road. The rider and his pillion passenger fled the scene, leaving no details behind.
Police tracked down George Argent, 18, the registered owner from Tower Road, Lancing. Despite a visible injury and eyewitness accounts placing him at the crash, Argent denied riding the bike.
Truth Revealed by Phone Messages and Witnesses
Witnesses saw him leave the scene and later identified him in an ID parade. Even then, Argent stuck to his story — until police examined his phone.
Texts showed Argent admitting to friends he was the rider involved.
Charged and Caught Red-Handed
Argent was charged with perverting the course of justice, driving without due care, no valid insurance, and failing to stop after an accident.
He pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court on November 8. The court handed down a 22-week suspended sentence, 120 hours of unpaid work, 15 rehabilitation sessions, and a one-year driving ban.
“Argent went to great lengths to try to avoid being prosecuted for leaving the scene of the collision,” said PC Thomas Van Der Wee of the Roads Policing Unit.
“We had to check his claims, organise an identity parade, and analyse his mobile phones. This shows our determination to catch anti-social motorcycle riders and that those who lie to police will be caught and prosecuted.”
