Thirteen motorcyclists were sentenced yesterday, 11 July, for taking part in a mass ride which caused widespread chaos in Leeds city centre.
Around 100 bikers were involved in the Halloween ‘ride-out’ in October 2016, which was arranged on social media.
They split into two groups, driving en masse and at speed through red lights, on pavements and through a pedestrian precinct, which was busy with shoppers. Approximately 60 bikers drove through the Leeds central shopping arcade, a historic covered area, barely 16 feet wide.
The police received over 160 complaints from members of the public. Emergency road closures were put in place to contain the disruption and a police helicopter was deployed.
The defendants pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance and received a variety of sentences, ranging from 12 months to two years’ imprisonment.
David Armitage, who organised the event online, was sentenced to two years’ in jail and was disqualified from driving for 18 months.
Another rider, Nicholas Flaherty, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and was disqualified for 18 months for perverting the course of justice, by encouraging the other participants to dispose of evidence such as their bikes and clothing in the aftermath of the incident.
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