Rider convicted following force's first use of DNA 'tagging' system

Friday, 27 October 2017 07:00

An 18- year old has become the first person in West Yorkshire to be convicted following the use of a new weapon against nuisance off road riders.

Connor Walker, 18, from South Elmsall, was found guilty and sentenced to 15 months in prison - suspended for 18 months - and a curfew after being identified, arrested and charged in the first use of a high-tech policing tactic by the force.

He was sentenced for two offences of dangerous driving and driving without a licence.

Officers are warning riders they now have the tools to indisputably link them to the vehicles they offend on after securing the first prosecution using a DNA based spray.

Walker was sprayed by a PCSO who observed and filmed him committing offences on a quad bike in Pontefract on 28 May.

The spray, every can of which contains a unique chemical signature, marked Walker and the vehicle, indisputably linking him to the offence.

He was later arrested at his home and, when checked with a UV lantern, officers found a tagging agent on his hand and clothing matching the can he was sprayed from, proving he was on the vehicle.

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