A motorcyclist has been jailed after doing high speed “wheelies” and “power slides” on a busy road in broad daylight.

James Stoddart, 48, of Chessington Road, Epsom, was among a group of eleven motorcyclists who overtook an unmarked police motorcycle on the A24 at Buckbarn, south of Horsham last September.

Some of the group then carried out a series of dangerous stunts, even though they were among other cars.

Stoddart was videoed on his Yamaha YZF-R1 carrying out high speed “wheelies”, where he brought his bike up on to its rear wheel, and “power slides”, where he caused his bike to intentionally slide across the carriageway.

As he travelled through a speed camera, he flipped up his number plate so that it could not be read by the camera.

On Wednesday (March 17), Stoddart appeared at Brighton Crown Court where he was sentenced to three months imprisonment, banned from driving for two years and had his motorbike confiscated, after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice.

The previous day three other motorcyclists appeared before Crawley Magistrates.

Robert Munt, 26, of Hastings Road, Croydon admitted careless driving and was disqualified from driving for three months and received a £225 fine.

Ralph Seare, 40, or Bourne Drive, Mitcham, admitted dangerous driving and threatening behaviour and was disqualified from driving for two years and until he passes another test. He received a 12-month community order, will have to do 200 hours unpaid work and was ordered a six week curfew (Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm to 6am).

Mark Puffett, 38, of Lonsdale Road, South Norwood, London, admitted dangerous driving and was disqualified from driving for 18 months and until he passes another test. He received a 12-month community order and will have to do 150 hours unpaid work.

Inspector Marc Clothier of Sussex Police's Road Policing Unit Operations team said: "Motorcyclists represent a small proportion of overall road users, but account for a very high proportion of fatal and serious injury road traffic crashes.

"We fully accept that the vast majority of motorcyclists are law abiding and careful riders and we continue to work with the biking community to promote safe riding.

"However, where any motorist deliberately and intentionally puts themselves and other road users at danger, they can expect to be dealt with robustly, as these motorcyclists have discovered.

"The use of unmarked motorcycles fitted with video equipment allows us to target those who present the greatest risk to others, and allow the law abiding bikers to continue to enjoy the roads of Sussex."