'Such selfish, ill-mannered and unpleasant behaviour': Illegal quad biker jailed for taking part in a Leeds city-wide 'ride out' with anti-social mob of 20 during lockdown while triple the limit for cannabis

Zubear Khan was jailed after a court heard he put pedestrians and road users in danger during a police chase that went on for miles across the city.

Khan and others entered parks and put people in fear as they churned up grassland during the anti-social rampage.

Martin Robertshaw, prosecuting, said the incident happened on March 29 this year, just five days into the coronavirus lockdown.

The West Yorkshire Police helicopter was deployed after the force was alerted by concerned members of the public about a large number of quad bikers gathering in Rothwell Country Park.

Officers in the helicopter then observed members of the group as they travelled to Temple Newsam.

Quad bikes were seen mounting pavements and narrowly avoiding collisions with other road users.

Some of the quad bikers were traced as they dispersed.

The pair entered the park which was busy with dog walkers at the time.

Khan and the other man changed direction when they saw police.

Mr Robertshaw said the bikes tore up grass in the park as they sped away.

Khan mounted pavements on Spencer Place and a pedestrian had to get out of his way to avoid being knocked down.

The defendant then headed across the city to west Leeds where he was seen on Tong Road in Armley.

He failed to give way at junctions and ignored police when they put on blue lights and sirens.

The defendant drove at double the speed limit in built up areas before entering Gotts Park.

Khan caused more damage to parkland before entering a wooded area as police continued to chase him.

He eventually abandoned the bike and was arrested as he tried to hide behind a tree.

Mr Robertshaw said a senior officer described how the incident was particularly bad.

The prosecutor added: "He took the view that the way he was riding his bike was some of the worst driving he had seen in his police service.

Khan was tested for cannabis and was found to be three-and-a-half times over the driving limit for the class B drug.

He was also uninsured to drive the quad bike as it was not for use on public roads.

The 38-year-old was interviewed about the incident and said he panicked when he saw police.

He apologised and said his behaviour had been stupid.

Khan, of Middle Cross Street, Armley, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while unfit through drugs and having no insurance.

Probation officer Mick Berry said Khan claimed in interview that he "was not aware of the ramifications of lockdown."

Judge Christopher Batty replied: "What? The lockdown that was imposed with great fanfare five days earlier that no one could possibly have failed to be aware of?"

The court heard Khan works as a mechanic three days per week and is also a carer for his ill mother.

Jessica Heggie, mitigating, said Khan had already been dealt with for breaching Covid-19 restrictions in relation to the incident.

Ms Heggie said Khan had no similar convictions and his mother would suffer and he would lose his job if he was sent to prison.

Khan was locked up for eight months.

Judge Batty said: "Everyone knew about the lockdown so it does not sit well when you say you weren't aware of the implications of gatherings.

"You became involved in what is known as a ride out.

"Twenty-plus quad bikers were doing just want they wanted, going where they wanted and riding how they wanted.

"They were showing, in doing so, a complete disregard for the public and a complete disregard for pedestrians, park users and road users.

"You showed an even bigger disregard for the police, the police helicopter above you and the police cars following you.

"All of this at the time when you were under the influence of cannabis.

"I am afraid I have got to send you to custody today.

"Such selfish, ill-mannered, unpleasant behaviour can't be tolerated."

Khan was banned from driving for two years and four months.

The judge ordered the forfeiture and destruction of Khan's quad bike.