TT visitor admits dangerous driving

Frenchman performed 'risky' overtakes before almost colliding with pedestrian and hitting two vans

A TT visitor has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving after almost hitting a pedestrian while travelling at high speed through a village on the TT course.

Florian Camelle Roux, who's visiting from France, also admitted failing to stop for police.

On Monday 26 May, an officer on an unmarked bike observed the 31-year-old performing what were described in court as 'risky' or 'dangerous' overtakes along the Cronk-y-Voddy straight at around 5.30pm.

He asked a colleague on a marked bike to stop the rider, and Roux initially pulled in at Station Road, but then rode off towards Ballaugh at speed, despite the first officer on the unmarked machine then gesturing for him to stop, shouting 'police', as well as attempting to switch off the Frenchman's bike.

The court heard the visitor rode through Kirk Michael village at extremely high speed, and nearly collided with a pedestrian who was using the crossing on the Main Road.

While being pursued by officers, Roux hit two vans before coming to rest on a grass bank at Rhencullen.

Roux's advocate explained that he didn't realise the officer on the unmarked bike was with the police.

Instead, he thought the first officer was attempting to pull over the unmarked bike so believed he was free to ride off.

Once the unmarked officer attempted to hit the killswitch on his BMW S1000RR, Roux believed the officer was attempting to hijack him.

Deputy High Bailiff Rachel Braidwood confirmed the matter isn't suitable for sentencing in the summary court, describing the defendant's actions as 'extreme bad driving'.

Roux will be committed to the Court of General Gaol Delivery, which has greater sentencing powers, next Friday.

Until then, he remains on bail at Douglas Rugby Club campsite.