David Anthony Connors, 35, of Edward Street in Portadown, received a five-month prison sentence at Belfast Magistrates’ Court for multiple offences including assault on police.

The court heard the incidents began on October 22 in the Dunmurry area on the outskirts of Belfast, where Connors rode a motorbike at high speed in a 30mph zone.

A Crown lawyer stated the motorbike appeared to race a BMW car, travelling on the wrong side of the road and weaving through lanes, forcing other drivers to brake and swerve.

PSNI officers pursued him into the Old Forge area with blue lights activated. Connors attempted to drive away again but hit a kerb, fell from the bike, and ran on foot.

Officers chased him into a garden and applied handcuffs. He kicked at a policewoman’s legs and shouted profanities.

After warnings, he tried to escape once more and thrust his head toward an officer.

Checks showed Connors was disqualified from driving, uninsured, and riding an unregistered motorbike. He admitted charges of dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, assault on police, and disorderly behaviour.

Defence counsel noted Connors was on licence at the time and sought to plead guilty immediately.

District Judge George Conner also disqualified him from driving for four years.