A MOTORCYCLIST from the Fens who was clocked speeding down the A1 at 156mph has been banned from the roads for 18 months.

Peter Clarke, 44, of Broadgate, Sutton St Edmund, was spotted riding at more than twice the legal speed limit at about 4.15pm on May 12.

Officers saw Clarke undertaking vehicles on his Suzuki on a stretch of the A1 at Brampton and followed him, eventually stopping him at Sawtry.

He admitted speeding, but denied dangerous driving.

However, Clarke was convicted of dangerous driving by a majority verdict of 11 to one following a trial at Peterborough Crown Court today.

He was banned from driving for 18 months, fined �1,000 and ordered to pay costs of �1,000 and a �15 victim surcharge.

PC Francis Crawford said: “Excessive speed on the roads, no matter how competent a driver you believe you are, is not acceptable and will not be tolerated by police.

“Our priority is to keep all road users safe and prevent deaths and serious injuries, clearly someone travelling at more than twice the legal speed limit put not only themselves, but also other motorists, at grave risk of harm.

“Speed limits are set for a reason and any momentary lapse in concentration or sudden movement by this motorcyclist or other motorists travelling on that stretch of road could easily resulted in someone being killed.

“Peter Clarke’s actions on the day were highly dangerous and we’re pleased that has been recognised by the court.

“Anyone thinking of driving or riding at such speeds should be under no illusion, we will catch them and put them before the courts.”