Alexander MinaidesGAZETTE & HERALD: BANNED driver Alexander Minaides, pleaded guilty to riding a mini motorbike in Chippenham but claimed he did not know the bike was covered by his ban.

Chippenham magistrates on Thursday were told he had been disqualified from driving for a year just four days before he was stopped by police for riding the mini bike.

The 19-year-old of no fixed abode was seen riding at 20mph by police officers in Greenway Lane.

James Tucker prosecuting said Minaides drove for 50 metres on the mini motorbike before police stopped him at 1.45pm on March 18.

One of the officers described the bike as having the power of a lawn mower.

Defence solicitor Esther Bisgrove said the case was unusual because of the vehicle Minaides was driving.

"The bikes are designed for children and are for sale in children's toyshops," she said.

"Many people do not realise that by driving this item they are committing an offence. It's not common knowledge.

She told how Minaides has had a troubled few years with a serious drug problem.

She said he has been homeless for many months and has lived in his car.

"However, he appears to be making very good progress.

"The defendant appears very motivated to try and change his life style.

"He is quite adamant that he was determined to stick by his ban and get his licence back.

"Had he thought for a minute that he was putting his future in jeopardy he would not have driven it.

"This was a blip. I would suggest that because of the nature of the vehicle he is given a final chance.

"He didn't deliberately get behind the wheel of a car, he genuinely did not know the ban applied to these motorbikes."

Magistrates said they believed he had no intention to offend.

Minaides was given a conditional discharge for one year and ordered to pay £45 court costs.

Sgt Allan George of Chippenham police, who has been co-operating with the Gazette to publicise the fact that riding mini motorbikes on the road is illegal, said: "The anti-social and illegal use of go-peds, quad bikes and other similar vehicles has now received extensive publicity in the press, radio and television.

"There should be no excuse for using them in public.

"Police in Wiltshire will not hesitate to prosecute any offences which are identified to us.

"The consequences are clear. Please use and enjoy these vehicles in a responsible and legal manner. If you do not, remember that the police do have powers to seize them in addition to any prosecution."