A reckless motorcyclist who hurtled along roads at high speed while fleeing from the police later came to grief in spectacular fashion after losing control on a speed bump and falling off. Craig Rowland – a bosun's mate on a famous polar research ship that the public voted to name 'Boaty McBoatface' – quickly ran off down a street when disaster struck but he was later found behind a wall hurriedly trying to put a motorcycle helmet into a rucksack, Hull Crown Court heard. Rowland, 35, of Dayton Road, off County Road South, Hull, admitted dangerous driving and having no insurance and driving licence on March 8.
Natalie Dean, prosecuting, said that Rowland was riding a motorcycle in Hull when he overtook police, who were in a marked vehicle. He overtook another vehicle and police followed him and signalled for him to stop. Rowland pulled in to stop but, after the police stopped behind him, he sped off before overtaking more vehicles.
He rode the motorcycle through red traffic lights, causing other motorists to have to take evasive action. Rowland continued on to North Road and, while he was in a 20mph zone, he overtook vehicles at 50mph before reaching speeds of 70mph, causing other drivers to have to take evasive action to get out of his way, said Miss Dean. Rowland lost control of the motorcycle while hurtling over a speed bump and he fell off.
He ran down the nearest street. A member of the public directed police down Council Avenue in pursuit of Rowland. "They found him .
