A 22-year-old man has escaped losing his driver licence following a conviction for dangerous driving.

Shawn Uriaere appeared in the Criminal Court at Avarua for sentencing on dangerous driving on Wednesday.

The summary of facts stated Uriaere was in Arorangi on the evening of Friday, December 24, on the Back Road of Betela riding a black and gold Yamaha motorcycle with no number plate attached.

The motorcycle had a defective muffler which was making a lot of noise and upsetting the residents around the area.

Uriaere was observed travelling at a high speed back and forth at the Rose Flats without considering the risk that he may cause to himself and other road users by dangerously stunting (doing wheel stands) on his motorcycle.

When questioned by police, he refused to give them an explanation regarding the matter.

The police prosecutor said he had explained the mitigating and aggravating factors to Uriaere.

Justice of the Peace Tangi Taoro asked Uriaere if he had a job, and was told he had been employed as a scaffolder about five hours a week, for a month. 

JP Taoro asked what disqualification options were available and was told by the police prosecutor, any time period up to three years.

It was then noted Uriaere had entered an early guilty plea.

JP Taoro fined Uriaere $500 plus $50 court costs.

“The court feels disqualification may affect his employment, we are not disqualifying him,” JP Taoro said.

“If you appear again, the court won’t be lenient on you.”