Dangerous driver clocks 127mph in Milton Keynes

A 33-year-old man from Bedford has been disqualified from driving and fined over £5,000 following an incident on the A5 in Milton Keynes where he was caught speeding at 127 mph.

Ricky Catchpole, of Cotswold Close, Bedford, was riding his Yamaha R1 motorcycle when he was recorded travelling at excessive speeds without displaying a number plate. When officers attempted to stop him, Catchpole sped off, leading to a short pursuit by police. He lost control of his motorcycle while trying to navigate a tight corner at a lower speed and fell off.

Catchpole was subsequently convicted in court, resulting in a month-long driving ban and significant fines and costs totalling over £5,000. Thames Valley Police Roads Policing stated that the penalties would have been less severe if Catchpole had complied with the initial stop and accepted a ticket for speeding.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police Roads Policing highlighted the importance of enforcing the #Fatal4 offences, which include speeding as a major contributor to road fatalities. "We have already attended several fatal collisions on the A5 this year, which is why much activity takes place on this road," they stated.

The spokesperson added, "The rider in this case learned a hard lesson about the consequences of riding at such a speed and attempting to flee the police. We will certainly prosecute, and the Judge will take an extremely dim view, punishing accordingly."

Thames Valley Police Roads Policing concluded with a reminder to the public: "If one person reading this decides to slow their speeds down as a result, then it is worthwhile. It may be a life saved. Take care out there."

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