Great Britain: Man nicked by YouTube video (Police to charge speeder based upon video he made)

Man nicked by YouTube video

February 16, 2007

BIKER Jeremy Parrott is set to become the first person prosecuted for speeding because of a video posted on YouTube.

Parrott, 37, filmed himself — with a camera fixed behind his windshield — allegedly speeding at 100mph.

Police were made aware of the video on the website and traced Parrott because he was filmed leaving his front door in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset. He was quizzed and freed on bail. Cops expect charges of dangerous driving to be brought within weeks.

A police spokesman said: “This man was driving through a built-up area, past a housing estate and a school, at up to 100mph. He risks a long ban.

“This is an example to other road users thinking of putting videos like this on the internet. What is humorous to some could be fatal to others.”

More on this from the BBC:

BBC NEWS England Somerset Biker quizzed over '100mph video'

Biker quizzed over '100mph video'

Police have interviewed a man after a video of what appears to be a motorbike being driven at speeds in excess of 100mph was placed on the web.

The video, which has since been removed from the YouTube site, was shot as the Yamaha R1 bike was driven in Burnham On Sea, Somerset.

Jeremy Parrott, 37, has now been reported for summons for driving without due care and attention.

His solicitor claims police may not have followed correct procedures.

A police spokesman said: "Police were made aware of the video posting and tracked down the rider.

Wheelies

"We interviewed a 37-year-old man from Burnham-on-Sea and he has been reported for summons."

Andrew Campbell, of solicitors Withy King, said: "We confirm that we have been instructed to act for Mr Parrott in respect of allegations made against him.

"It may be the case that the correct police procedure has not been followed."

The film, from a camera fixed behind the bike's windshield, is reported to include shots of the rider popping wheelies and passing cars on streets which have speed limits of 30mph.

The speedometer appears to reach 100mph along the B3140 towards the M5 before the bike returns along the same stretch.

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