Man Caught Performing Wheelies and Dumping E-Bike After Police Chase
Owen Pendree, 32, from Newport, was involved in a police pursuit after being seen performing dangerous maneuvers on an electric motorbike in Newport city centre. The incident occurred on 30 June on Corporation Road, where Pendree was captured on footage pulling wheelies and weaving through traffic.
During the chase, police deployed a stinger device to stop Pendree's vehicle. After bringing the pursuit to an end near Clarence Place, officers arrested him. The National Police Air Service supported Gwent Police during the operation, which was described as a "short pursuit."
Helicopter footage shows Pendree riding a Sur-Ron e-bike down the middle of the road at high speed while performing wheelies. The police described his actions as "stupid" in the audio captured during the chase. According to MotoEbikes, an external website, Sur-Ron vehicles have a top speed ranging from 30 mph to 68 mph (109 km/h).
Following the stop, Pendree was seen pulling over, then throwing the electric bike off Newport Town Bridge into the River Usk before being taken into custody.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Pendree appeared at Newport Magistrates' Court where he pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and using a motor vehicle without insurance.
He was sentenced to 12 months in prison and received a driving disqualification lasting three and a half years.
PC Nathan Ford of Gwent Police commented on the case, stating:
"Pendree did not possess a valid licence nor the appropriate insurance. We welcome this sentence; it shows that dangerous drivers will be put before the courts and face justice."
He also noted that Pendree had "little option but to plead guilty" due to the video evidence collected by the police.
