A MOTORCYLIST who was being pursued by the police along the A66 in west Cumbria late at night reached more than 140mph.

It took more than three minutes before 25-year-old Jordan Lake decided finally to pull over after the hair-raising police pursuit between on a westbound stretch of road between Keswick and Cockermouth.

He admitted dangerous driving and having no valid insurance.

At Carlisle Crown Court, prosecutor Sophie Johnstone described the defendant’s offending, committed just after 11.30pm on May 17.

Police officers who were on patrol in the area spotted the defendant riding his Honda CBR 1000 cc bike overtaking other vehicles at speed as it headed west on the A66. Its speed was such that the pursuing officers found it hard to catch up.

Initially, the Honda was seen riding at between 80mph and 120mph, before going into a stretch of road with a 50mph limit, the limit being lower because the area has a history of road accidents.

At this section of road, Lake’s speed varied between 70mph and 99mph.

“During the pursuit, the officer said the defendant looked back, evidence that he had seen the police,” said Miss Johnstone. “Following this, he accelerated at full throttle. The police vehicle illuminated its lights.

“The motorbike failed to stop for three minutes, during which time he continued overtaking vehicles, reaching speeds in excess of 140mph.”

The riding was so dangerous, said the officer driving the patrol car, that an oncoming car had to take evasive action and the officer was unable to adequately follow. But a short time later, the Honda pulled over.

Lake then walked towards the police car as it pulled up nearby.

Marion Weir, defending, referred to positive references which had been provided to the court for Lake, who had shown genuine remorse and shame for his actions that night. The defendant, of Kirkfell Avenue, Cockermouth, had experienced medical issues linked to a childhood experience.

Miss Weir added that a respected local employer was so impressed by Lake that a motor mechanic apprenticeship would be made available for him when his inevitable driving ban expired.

The employer had head hunted the defendant, describing him as ‘bit of a unique talent’.

Judge Michael Fanning told Lake: “It’s clear you have a real talent; it’s skilful work and you would never be out of work. You have just made a massive error of judgement on this particular evening.

“When you realised what the position was, you reacted in the wrong way.”

But the dangerous riding had been over a relatively short distance and on a road that was relatively quiet, though the riding had been “ludicrously fast,” observed the judge. He also noted the positive references.

Judge Fanning added: “I hope you can put this behind you and take help from the Probation Service…. Don’t do this again: it could kill you and it could kill other people. Learn from this.”

He imposed a 12-month ban, with a requirement to pass a retest and a 12-month community order, which will include 120 hours of unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation activity days.