Judge Describes Crash Injuries as “Ongoing Punishment” for Man

A judge has stated that the injuries sustained by an individual who crashed a stolen electric motorbike into a car would serve as an “ongoing punishment” and should act as a “harsh lesson” for others. Newcastle Crown Court heard that James Finn was 18 years old when he rode at speeds up to 49mph in a 30mph zone before colliding with a turning car in South Shields in April 2023. Finn, now 20, was “lucky” to survive but suffered extensive leg injuries, while the owner of the £8,895 bike was unable to recover his financial loss, the court was told. After admitting careless driving and aggravated vehicle taking, Finn was sentenced to 12 weeks detention, suspended for 18 months, along with 100 hours of unpaid work and a requirement to pay £500 in compensation. The court heard that the bike was taken from outside the owner’s home in January 2023, and although prosecutors could not prove Finn was responsible for the theft, he would have known it was stolen when he was riding it on 21 April. He crashed into a car that was pulling out of Farmfoods on Sunderland Road, with crash investigators estimating he was traveling at up to 49mph moments before the impact, the court heard. In a statement read to the court, the driver of the car said the crash had made him “nervous” and “wary,” and he was “shocked” that Finn had not been wearing a helmet. The owner of the bike expressed being “angry and frustrated” and stated he had been unable to claim for the loss of his bike on his insurance, as it was not secured by a bike lock at the time it was stolen. He further explained that he was still required to pay approximately £250 a month for the bike, despite it being stolen and written off, and also had to find funds for a new vehicle. In mitigation, Robin Patton said Finn had been “incredibly lucky” to survive the crash and that it was “extremely fortunate” there were “skilled surgeons” available to prevent him from losing his leg. Patton added that Finn’s injuries were “lifelong” and would necessitate further surgeries. Judge Tim Gittins remarked that Finn, of Sycamore Avenue, South Shields, had been “rather stupid.” He told Finn: “It’s clear you suffered in a most painful way and sustained substantial injuries which are, in their own way, an ongoing punishment for what you did. “It’s a harsh lesson to learn and I wish more young men behaving in the way you did realise the risks they run in causing long-term damage to themselves and to others.” Finn was also prohibited from driving for 18 months.