Motorbike rider left injured friend in road by fleeing crash

Alan Cassford, of Great Preston Road in Ryde, previously pleaded guilty to driving without a licence, without insurance and failing to stop after a road accident and attended the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Friday, January 26, for sentencing.

Liz Miller, prosecuting, said police were called to a single-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle on Appley Road at 6.04pm on June 5, 2023.

The 23-year-old was riding the bike with his friend on the back when he clipped the kerb and sent them both crashing into a wall, Ms Miller told the court.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance was called to assist paramedics and touched down at Wight Bowman Archery Club.

The prosecution said Cassford left the scene before police arrived and was found by officers at St Mary’s Hospital.

Cassford initially told police he was not driving the motorcycle but later admitted he was, said Ms Miller.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said his client was a frequent court visitor in 2021, but ‘to his credit’, he has stayed out of trouble for two-and-a-half years.

The motorcycle was owned by his friend, who had asked Cassford whether he wanted to have a go, which Mr Vincent said he ‘very foolishly did’.

The bike was not travelling at speed, and it was a momentary loss of control, which sent the pair flying off the bike and into a wall, the defence said.

Mr Vincent told the court Cassford remained at the scene for 20 minutes and was present when his friend was being treated by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

While his friend was being treated, Cassford realised the motorbike was left in a dangerous position and decided to move it before realising he had also suffered significant injuries, said Mr Vincent.

Magistrates told Cassford: “You had an accident and left your friend in the road injured.”

Cassford was handed a 12-month driving disqualification and must pay a £120 fine, a £114 surcharge and £85 in costs.