Reckless rider filmed doing wheelies in the rain as he’s chased by cops through 20mph back streets

A reckless motorcyclist who was filmed doing wheelies in the rain while being chased by police through 20mph back streets in Brighton has been sentenced to five months in prison.

Footage shows Ryan Burtenshaw, 24, being chased by officers in an unmarked police car and dodging them by driving through roadworks in the popular tourist destination.

When officers finally caught up with him, he didn’t stop, instead wheeling into the rain-covered streets.

Burtenshaw then drove back through the 20 mph zone, narrowly avoiding collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles.

He successfully evaded the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) officers by swinging through the roadworks.

However, police identified him as the registered owner of the motorcycle and he later admitted that he was the driver at the time of the violations.

Burtenshaw, from Brighton, admitted to dangerous driving, did not stop at the direction of a police officer, drove otherwise than in accordance with a driver’s license and was driving without valid insurance when he appeared before Lewes Crown Court.

Judge Christine Laing KC heard how Burtenshaw’s driving fell far below the standards of a careful, attentive and competent motorist.

He was jailed for five months and banned from driving for one year and eight months.

His motorcycle was also seized after the court issued him with a confiscation order under the Criminal Court Act.

If he ever wants to drive or drive again, Burtenshaw will have to pass an extensive retest once he is released from prison and is no longer disqualified.

Sussex Police Chief Inspector Andy Saville said: ‘This case demonstrates our determination to catch offenders and ensure our roads and communities in Brighton and Hove are kept safe.

“In this case, the offender is endangering his own safety and that of everyone else.

“As a result, he has been jailed, disqualified and his vehicle impounded by the courts.”