A 19-year-old teenager in Swansea shocked residents with his dangerous and reckless biking stunts, which included performing high-speed overtaking maneuvers and pulling wheelies. Bailey Fennell, who had purchased the scrambler-type bike with an inheritance from his late grandfather, faced severe criticism from a judge who deemed his actions as breathtakingly arrogant and an affront to his grandfather’s memory. The episode came to an end when Fennell was intercepted by a police officer on an unmarked motorbike, thanks to information provided by a circling police helicopter.
During the incident, a police helicopter was assigned to monitor two off-road motorbikes, including Fennell’s orange TKM 250. The bikes raced through the streets of Swansea, zigzagging through neighborhoods at excessive speeds, disregarding traffic lights, riding on pavements, and even overtaking vehicles. Despite separating from the other bike, Fennell remained under the watchful eye of the helicopter, unknowingly being subjected to a live commentary of his reckless movements. Eventually, an unmarked police motorcycle intercepted him in Portmead, forcing him to come to a halt. Despite attempting to flee, Fennell was apprehended, arrested, and subsequently refused to answer any questions during the interview.
When Bailey Fennell appeared for his sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to the charge of dangerous driving. His defense lawyer, Andrew Evans, highlighted that Fennell had come to realize the gravity of his actions and the potential harm caused to himself and others on the road. Evans explained that the teenager’s family was shocked by his arrogant behavior, as they believed he had been raised to be law-abiding. He urged the court to reconsider an immediate custodial sentence, emphasizing that this was Fennell’s first offense, which in itself was surprising and out of character.
Judge Huw Rees acknowledged Fennell’s background and the fact that he hailed from a respectable family. However, he condemned the defendant’s behavior on the day in question, describing it as breathtakingly arrogant. The judge firmly stated that members of the public should not have to tolerate such flagrant disregard for safety on the roads. Moreover, he admonished Fennell for dishonoring his late grandfather’s inheritance.
Ultimately, Fennell was sentenced to eight months of detention in a young offenders’ institution, with a 12-month suspension. Additionally, he was required to complete a rehabilitation course and undergo mental health treatment. The judge also imposed an 18-month driving ban on Fennell. Judge Rees expressed frustration with the slow charging process and requested a written explanation from the police within ten days.
This incident serves as a stern reminder of the potential dangers that reckless driving poses not only to the driver but also to innocent road users. It highlights the importance of responsible behavior and accountability on the roads.
