Biker crashes during police chase through Melksham

Natalia Burke, 21, of Queensway, Melksham, reacted to a marked police motorcycle and led the officer on a chase along Spa Road and into Coronation Road on July 9, 2024.

Burke then entered Milton Avenue on the incorrect side of the road, crashed into a wall and made off on foot.

She pleaded guilty to six charges at Salisbury Magistrates' Court on January 15.

These included:
Failing to stop after a road accident
Failing to stop for police
Driving otherwise in accordance with a licence
Driving without due care and attention
Using a motor vehicle on a road without third party insurance
Riding a motorcycle on a road without protective headgear.

Burke received a 12-month community order during which she must complete 80 hours of unpaid work and she was disqualified from holding a driving licence for four months. 

PC Hobbs, from Wiltshire's Roads Policing Unit, said: "Burke's manner of driving was incredibly careless and it's a matter of luck that no one was injured.

"I would encourage anyone who owns or is thinking about buying an e-bike to consider the clearly defined regulations to ensure they are not breaking the law when riding it.

"We will continue to disrupt riders who show a disregard for the law; their bikes will be seized and they will be brought to court."

The bike Burke was riding did not conform to Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle regulations which is why her driving record was endorsed.

For more information about riding unlicensed powered vehicles, visit https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/advic....