Viral video brings down reckless motorcyclist
Benjamin Males was identified by police after a video he posted in April gained more than one million views online
A Shropshire man has been banned from driving after a viral Instagram video showed him dangerously riding a motorbike at nearly 100mph through local towns.
Benjamin Males, 22, of Holgate Drive in Shrewsbury, was identified by police after a video he posted in April gained more than one million views online.
The footage showed him speeding and performing reckless manoeuvres around Shrewsbury and Wem, with the location tagged falsely as “Mexico” in an apparent attempt to mislead viewers.
Despite his efforts to conceal his identity, officers were able to confirm Males was the rider and arrested him later that month. He was subsequently charged with five counts of dangerous driving.
Appearing at Telford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, July 30, Males pleaded guilty to all five offences.
He was disqualified from driving for 18 months and must complete an extended test before regaining his licence.
In addition to the ban, Males was sentenced to: 240 hours of unpaid work; A rehabilitation order; a £199 fine.
Police have since warned that dangerous driving shared online is being increasingly monitored and will be prosecuted, regardless of attempts to hide identities or locations.