Reckless Rider Joe Onley Caught After Daring Police Chase
Joe Onley, 23, sparked chaos as he tore through Hucknall towards Ollerton, wheelieing, speeding, and dangerously overtaking traffic—all caught from the sky by a police helicopter.
High-Speed Chase Ends in Kelham
Expert police pursuit drivers struggled to keep up on the afternoon of Friday 15 April last year. At first, Onley was oblivious to being followed. But when he spotted a police car, he slammed the accelerator and tried to lose them.
Thanks to helicopter guidance, officers finally caught up with him in Kelham. Onley made a desperate U-turn, mounted the pavement, and crashed into officers, tumbling off his bike at low speed.
Uninsured, Dodgy Plates & Daring Foot Chase
Onley’s troubles didn’t end there. Riding uninsured and using fake number plates, he bolted on foot. He hurdled fences, crashed through hedges, and sprinted across farm grounds—but he was no match for the National Police Air Service tracking from above.
Sentence and Police Response
Onley, from Nottingham Road, Hucknall, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and using fraudulent registration marks. At Nottingham Crown Court, he was hit with a nine-month jail sentence suspended for two years, 180 hours of unpaid work, £350 costs, and a two-year driving ban.
PC Sarah Clifton of Nottinghamshire Police said: “This was an appalling display of riding that could easily have ended in tragedy. Onley not only put himself in danger, but every other road user. His behaviour was utterly inexcusable, and I’m pleased he’s now been held to account.”
