A motorist who led police on a chase through Paget has been disqualified from driving all vehicles for 18 months.

Norman Bell, 61, of no fixed abode, admitted to driving dangerously, as well as to riding an uninsured and unlicensed bike, when he appeared in Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

The court heard that officers saw Bell riding on Harbour Road on May 7 and followed him in connection with unrelated matters.

Bell sped away from and avoided police until he lost control of his bike near St Paul’s Anglican Church.

Apologising for his actions, Bell told the court he was “not in his right mind that night”.

Magistrate Tyrone Chin planned to fine Bell $1,500 for the offence, but his lawyer, Susan Mulligan, said he could not pay it. As a result, Mr Chin instead sentenced Bell to 90 days in jail.

• It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding court cases.