An Oxford moped driver who crashed into a tree has been jailed for numerous offences, including possession of a knife. 

Bradley Mills, aged 21, of Mather Way, Oxford has been jailed for driving, drug and weapon offences while on a suspended prison sentence for an earlier conviction.

Mills pleaded guilty to failing to stop for officers, careless driving, driving without insurance and driving without a licence in a hearing at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August 14. 

He also pleaded guilty to possession of a lock knife and cannabis, which was located in a bag in his possession.

Mills was already subject to a four-month suspended prison sentence, as well as ordered to complete a 30 day specified programme and 15 days of rehabilitation activity, for carrying a lock knife, namely a folding pocket knife with a blade exceeded three inches, and possession of cannabis from an incident in May this year.

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There was also a victim surcharge of £154.

On Tuesday morning (August 13), Mills was riding a moped illegally and failed to stop for officers in Oxford.

He subsequently crashed the bike through trees and into a stream, and was trapped underneath the bike while still in the stream.

Following a search of a bag in his possession, officers located a lock knife and a quantity of cannabis.

Mills was arrested and charged the same day.

In court on Wednesday, he was sentenced to a total of 10 months’ imprisonment, including activation of his previous four-month suspended prison sentence.

 

Following his sentencing, Thames Valley Police welcomed the custodial sentence in a statement issued on Friday afternoon.

Investigating officer PC Matt Stansfield, of the Roads Policing Unit at Thames Valley Police, said: “Mills was not insured and had no licence to ride this bike, and he failed to stop for officers when requested to do so.

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“He has shown a flagrant disregard for road safety and the law, and the fact he was already on a suspended prison sentence for earlier offences shows that he also had no regard for the justice system as well.

“I am pleased he has been given an immediate custodial sentence as a result of his behaviour, and I hope he uses the time in prison to reflect on his actions.

“We are committed to reduce moped-enabled crime and take weapons off the streets, and through Operation Deter, we will pursue those who seek to carry knives in our communities.”