Rider given warning

TEENAGE moped rider Wayne Simmonds was subjected to a physical assault after he carried out a silly overtaking manoeuvre magistrates were told. He overtook a people carrier on the A10 at Little Theftford, staying too close to the vehicle and then slowin

TEENAGE moped rider Wayne Simmonds was subjected to a physical assault after he carried out "a silly overtaking manoeuvre" magistrates were told.

He overtook a people carrier on the A10 at Little Theftford, staying too close to the vehicle and then slowing down in front of it.

"There was some sort of altercation between the two drivers afterwards," prosecutor Emma Dmitriev told Ely magistrates.

"The overtaking was careless rather than dangerous."

Simmonds, 19, of Tower Court, Ely, admitted driving without due care and attention on June 2, when riding his W-registered Yamaha Majesty.

Mitigating, Michael Judkins said Simmonds was employed by Little Chef at Stretham, and on the day of the incident he had gone to fetch till rolls from the Ely branch.

"He was following the car, riding at 50 mph," he said. "The driver pulled over to let him go by, but he did not overtake immediately. When he did overtake, he admits he made an error of judgement and was too close to the rear of the people carrier, but there is no question of touching it."

"When my client got to Stretham the driver of the people carrier remonstrated with him, and there was a physical assault."

Simmonds was fined £120 with £60 costs and three points were put on his licence.

Presiding magistrate Bryant Watson told Simmonds: "You were putting yourself at risk, and I am giving you a warning for the future.