A biker who reached some of the highest speeds ever recorded on an A-road has been sentenced to 15 months jail and told he must serve at least half of that time.

Christopher O'Donovan, who is 44 and from Devizes, was travelling at up to 130 mph on his Kawasaki ZX600.

He led police on a 23-mile high speed chase across the Wiltshire countryside, racing through villages and tracks and along several A-roads.

Witnesses say up to 17 police vehicles pursued O'Donovan before the police helicopter took over the chase.



Inspector Dean Knight of Devizes police.
"Excess speed is one of the main causes of collisions and this sends a strong message that the criminal justice system and our community safety partners will not tolerate this type of behaviour."


He was eventually arrested after returning home.

O'Donovan pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving while disqualified and has been told to expect a prison sentence.

Speaking at the time, Inspector Dean Knight of Devizes police said: "Excess speed is one of the main causes of collisions and this sends a strong message that the criminal justice system and our community safety partners will not tolerate this type of behaviour."

In 2002 motorcyclist Lee Beddis was caught on a speed camera travelling at 155mph. He was sentenced to 180 hours community punishment and a 12 month ban.

Drivers on the A465 in Wales said they saw a 'blur' as he passed, and a traffic officer said the pressure from the bike shook his patrol car.

The following year Andrew Osborne was jailed for 28 days after overtaking a lorry at 157mph on an A-road near Buckingham.