A LOCAL motorcycle rider awaits sentencing after being found guilty of multiple offences following a collision between his quad bike and another vehicle.

As a result of the highly successful police campaign earlier this year, "Operation Castleberry", against illegal motorcycling, 18- year-old Frank Anthony Johnson of Oakhanger was tried at Aldershot Magistrates' Court and found guilty of four offences.

Johnson used a motor vehicle without third party insurance, failed to stop at the scene of a road traffic accident, engaged in common assault and failed to provide a specimen for analysis.

Johnson was originally arrested while Operation Castleberry was in progress on August 6, when the quad bike he was riding collided with a blue Audi on Oakhanger Road, Bordon.

"He failed to stop at the scene and when a member of the public tried to detain him, he assaulted them," said Sergeant Darren Hall. Johnson was then taken to North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke to receive treatment for head injuries, and he was later arrested.

The case has now been ajourned for pre- sentence report, after which his punishment will be decided.

Operation Castleberry saw Whitehill Police join forces with the MOD and the Royal Military Police to patrol all the Army training areas, which had become popular race tracks for civilian motor cyclists.

Pc Ed Barrett said:"These bikes are not only a nuisance, but they make it dangerous for other people who use the common. From our point of view, it was a really successful weekend and a good job done by all involved, especially the military police who came down from West Bromwich.

"The idea behind the operation was to be out there to deter, educate and even prosecute the more serious offenders."

The campaign saw 31 people either have their details taken by police or be warned off the land by military police.

One person received a fixed-penalty notice, four people received warning notices for using vehicles anti-socially, so if they are caught again in the next twelve months, their vehicle can be seized. Five riders were reported for summons and four bikes were seized by police.

The tough stance on illegal biking certainly seems to have paid off with a recent downturn in usage of mini-motorbikes and the recent prosecution.

Whitehill's Inspector Gerry Thorne felt that the planned blitz against mini-motorbikes had been a great success and since the operation, residents have written thank you letters to the police. He also said that more campaigns may follow.

Adam Carew, the East Hampshire District councillor representing Whitehill added: "It appears there has been a general downturn in the illegal use of mini-motorbikes, 4 by 4s and scramblers on Army land, nature reserves, roads and pavements following a co-ordinated no-nonsense approach by the police and the MoD.

"The problem has not gone away entirely, but it appears to be significantly reduced in many areas. I understand the Police and MoD are keeping a very close eye on the situation and do prosecute when necessary."

Any incidents can be reported to the police on 0845, 045 45 45 if a non-emergency and 999 for emergencies.

Mr Carew added: "People need to think very carefully before buying these machines as to whether they have anywhere legally they can use them. I understand that the nearest place for legitimate use of these vehicles is at Four Marks."

Although some local residents have asked for a designated area to ride on, there appears to be no likelihood in the immediate future of any MOD land being made available to riders due to organisation and insurance issues.

One solution suggested was to put on a minibus to the Four Marks site so that riders are able to use their vehicles in a safe, controlled and legal environment.

Sergeant John Mullen of Whitehill Police agreed that the situation is improving. He said: "People have been warned off, and it's now a case of education.

"It's a sad state of affairs, but we can only hope they get the message before a serious accident occurs. They're a complete nightmare."