Two men face driving bans for dangerous motorcycle riding at Burghley Horse Trials, endangering attendees and a dog.
Reece Murray, age 27, and Alfi Lleshi, age 20, were arrested on September 7 last year for riding bikes through the Burghley Horse Trials.
A police officer observed three motorcycles speeding toward him on Barnack Road. He turned to follow them and signaled them to stop. Two bikes did not comply, speeding up and performing wheelies.
The pair then entered the Burghley House event, which attracts many visitors. The men almost hit people and struck a dog, causing minor injuries. Security intervened and stopped them, after which the police officer arrested them.
Both men appeared in court on Tuesday, February 25, regarding the incident at the Burghley Horse Trials last year.
Murray, who lives on Birchtree Avenue, Dogsthorpe, received an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for a year. He admitted to several charges, including failing to stop and dangerous driving.
Murray also drove without insurance and an MOT, and committed criminal damage. He must complete 200 hours of unpaid work and a 15-day rehab program, and he is banned from driving for a year.
Lleshi, residing on Fane Road, Walton, received the same sentence. He previously admitted to failing to stop and dangerous driving, and his registration plate was obscured.
PC Joe Woolf commented that the event attracts thousands yearly, and stated that the pair rode despicably through pedestrians. He also noted that they were arrested in a busy area and thanked security staff for their assistance.
Fortunately, the dog’s injuries were minor. People had to jump out of the way, and parents quickly grabbed their kids. The men demonstrated no regard for safety, and their riding was appalling and horrifying.