An Ellesmere Port scooter rider who hit a lamppost, causing a serious injury to one of his two passengers, has been spared custody.

Kieran Boyle, 20, of Pooltown Road, previously pleaded guilty to the offence, which happened on Sunday, October 17, 2021.

Appearing at Chester Crown Court on Friday, February 23 for sentencing, Boyle was handed a 12-month sentence, suspended for 18 months.

Prosecuting, Dafydd Roberts said it was in October 2021 when Boyle and two friends had found an abandoned motor scooter near a canal in Ellesmere Port. All three got on the bike, with Boyle riding. None were wearing crash helmets as they then rode at about 20-25mph on the pavement on Cromwell Road.

The court heard Boyle lost control of the scooter, which mounted a kerb and hit a lamppost, knocking it to a 45-degree angle.

Boyle suffered a broken leg, requiring surgery, while passenger Aaron Loftus suffered a serious head injury requiring surgery and him being transferred to the Walton Centre, requiring treatment at the Complex Rehabilitation Unit.

Boyle had no previous convictions at the time, but had since received three years detention for possession with intent to supply class A drugs, for which he was released on licence in July 2023.

Defending, Andrew Mcinnes said the defendant had learned "two significant lessons" in the past few years, and was still receiving treatment from his injury.

Boyle had made the effort to attend court on the Friday afternoon after initially being told the wrong sentencing date.

Sentencing, Honorary Recorder of Chester Judge Steven Everett said the three "very stupidly" got on the scooter and "the accident was almost begging to happen – and it did happen".

He added the consequences were "very serious", with Mr Loftus suffering a potentially life-threatening injury. He told the defendant if Mr Loftus had died, he would be passing an immediate custodial sentence.

However, he said Boyle had a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

During the suspended sentence, Boyle must carry out up to 35 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was also banned from driving for two years and must taken an extended retest before getting his licence back.