13 motorcyclists convicted after mass bike ride in Leeds

    Thirteen motorcyclists were sentenced yesterday, 11 July, for taking part in a mass ride which caused widespread chaos in Leeds city centre.

    Around 100 bikers were involved in the Halloween ‘ride-out’ in October 2016, which was arranged on social media.

    They split into two groups, driving en masse and at speed through red lights, on pavements and through a pedestrian precinct, which was busy with shoppers. Approximately 60 bikers drove through the Leeds central shopping arcade, a historic covered area, barely 16 feet wide. 

    The police received over 160 complaints from members of the public.  Emergency road closures were put in place to contain the disruption and a police helicopter was deployed.

    The defendants pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance and received a variety of sentences, ranging from 12 months to two years’ imprisonment. 

    David Armitage, who organised the event online, was sentenced to two years’ in jail and was disqualified from driving for 18 months.

    Another rider, Nicholas Flaherty, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and was disqualified for 18 months for perverting the course of justice, by encouraging the other participants to dispose of evidence such as their bikes and clothing in the aftermath of the incident.

    More from Local and National News

    Listener Club

    Get more with the Listener Club!

    • Remix Saturdays Remix Saturdays

      Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm

    • Legal Show Legal Show

      Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.

    • The Golden Era The Golden Era

      The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm

    • Bhangra Nights Bhangra Nights

      Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm