Owen Pendree Throws Sur-Ron E-Bike Into River Usk After Police Chase

Owen Pendree, 32, from Newport, was filmed pulling wheelies on a Sur-Ron e-bike in Corporation Road on Tuesday, June 30, before throwing the vehicle into the River Usk from Newport Town Bridge.

“- Published Police chase footage shows the moment a "stupid" disqualified driver was caught pulling wheelies and weaving through Newport city centre traffic before throwing his vehicle into the River Usk”

BBC

Gwent Police and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) followed Pendree, deployed a stinger, and arrested him after a short pursuit that ended on the bridge near Clarence Place.

BBC

Pendree pleaded guilty at Newport Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, July 1, to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and using a motor vehicle without insurance.

He was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment and disqualified from driving for three and a half years, with a requirement to pass an extended test before regaining his licence.

PC Nathan Ford, the officer in the case, said: "Teamwork between our officers and NPAS ensured our resources were in the correct place to apprehend Pendree swiftly" after officers identified his dangerous driving.

Ford added that the video evidence showed Pendree was "pulling wheelies and driving dangerously" and said he had "little option but to plead guilty" to the charges he faced in court.

South Wales Argus

The BBC described the chase footage as showing a "stupid" disqualified driver caught pulling wheelies and weaving through Newport city centre traffic before throwing his vehicle into the River Usk.

The BBC also reported that Gwent Police said they were supported by NPAS, with a short pursuit leading to Pendree’s arrest near Clarence Place.

After the guilty plea on July 1, Pendree received a 12-month prison sentence and a driving ban of three-and-a-half years, with an extended test required before he can regain his licence.

“E-biker wheelies dangerously through busy city centre streets before throwing bike in the river Owen Pendree was also banned from driving at the time of the incident An E-bike rider was caught doing wheelies through busy city streets before throwing the vehicle in the river when officers caught up with him, a court has heard”

Wales Online

The court outcome followed police findings that Pendree did not possess a valid licence and did not have the appropriate insurance, as PC Nathan Ford said: "Pendree did not possess a valid licence nor the appropriate insurance."

Ford said the sentence shows that dangerous drivers will be put before the courts and face justice, adding: "We welcome this sentence; it shows that dangerous drivers will be put before the courts and face justice."

Wales Online said officers would continue to use a range of tactics to apprehend people who flout the law and drive these machines in a manner that puts themselves and other roads at risk of harm.