by Rachel Hovenden

rhovenden@thekmgroup.co.uk

A man, who once had a head-on motorbike smash and nearly died, has been slapped with an ASBO after he persistently rode illegal motorbikes.

Between 2007 and 2011 Kyran Hodges, 20, persistently rode illegal bikes on and off road in parks and Swanscombe Heritage Park, an area of special scientific interest, despite being warned by Kent Police 16 times over his actions.

In 2008 Hodges had a head-on smash with another person using an off road bike illegally in Swanscombe, which nearly cost him his life. Both were air lifted to hospital. Within weeks of his recovery Hodges, of Irving Walk, Swanscombe, was back on motorbikes.

In November 2011 Hodges had pleaded guilty at Dartford Magistrates' court to careless driving, no insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a driving licence, and riding a motorcycle without a helmet after an incident in April 2011 in Durant Way, Swanscombe.

He was sentenced for the offences earlier this month and was given an ASBO which prohibits him from:

* Riding, pushing, or being carried on any non-road legal motorbike or quad bike on any road, footpath or bridalway or any other public or private land without the landowner's consent.

* Using, riding or being carried on any vehicle used in an anti-social way

* Associating or engaging with anyone doing the above.

The ASBO lasts until April 4, 2014.

PC Martin Reynolds, of Dartford District Community Team, said: "The order will help us deal robustly with Mr Hodges and the nuisance caused by illegal motorcycling and sends a clear message to others that this is dangerous and unacceptable.

"In July 2008, Hodges was involved in an incident on National Grid land in Swanscombe where he had a head-on collision with another person using an off road bike illegally, and it nearly cost him his life.

"Both parties were airlifted to hospital with serious injuries and substantial cost to the taxpayers. Only a few weeks after his recovery, Hodges was back out on motorbikes, and often said to police that there was nothing anyone could o to stop him riding.

"Clearly this order sends a message that the authorities can take action, and if he decides to breach his ASBO then he will likely receive a prison sentence."

"Only a few weeks after his recovery, Hodges was back out on motorbikes, and often said to police that there was nothing anyone could do to stop him riding."