Quad biker who drove at police officers is jailed

A QUAD biker has been jailed for four months after he deliberately drove at the police officers trying to stop him.

Adam Oakes (29), pictured, of Finlay Road, East Dene, was riding around land Smithy Wood Road area of Thorpe Hesley when patrolling officers from South Yorkshire Police's Off Road Bike intervention Team (ORBiT) tackled him.

The area is a hot spot area for quad bikers, which attracts the concerns of residents and pedestrians.

As Oakes approached officers on November 24, 2019, they put on their blue lights and signalled for Oakes to stop but he sped off.

Another member of the team was alerted to Oakes' route and got off his bike in order to block his path and speak to him but Oakes drove deliberately at the officer, a court heard.

The officer managed to avoid the approaching quad bike and was unhurt.

Oakes pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving and was sentenced to four months in prison today at Sheffield Crown Court.

He has also been disqualified from driving for 14 months and ordered to pay fees of £122.

PC Jamie Walker recalled the dangerous incident, explaining: “Once I knew my colleague PC Palmer was ok, I continued to follow Oakes, who was desperate to escape from us.

“I caught up to him and he attempted to ride up a bank, but failed to do so, and he started to drive towards me. I shouted for him to stop and with my taser drawn he complied and got off his quad.

“He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and other motoring offences and later charged.”

The quad bike, which had a taped-over number plate, did not belong to Oakes and was seized.

PC Walker added: “Oakes showed no consideration for anyone while riding his quad. There is a worrying trend where the riders of these vehicles are being extremely aggressive and using their vehicles as weapons driving deliberately at people.

“We are officers but we are also human - we have families and loved ones and deserve to go home at the end of our shift uninjured.

“We understand people’s passion for off-road biking and we share their passion, however it must be done in a safe and responsible manner on legal trails.

“Legal riders are encouraged to ride responsibly and lawfully whilst illegal riders and thieves will continue to be targeted; we listen to our communities and understand the impact they have.”