An adventurous British motorcyclist who filmed himself riding through traffic at up to 153 mph and posted it on YouTube almost went to jail for his efforts.

With a digital camera mounted to his helmet, Robert Owens, 48, performed wheelies, drove on pavement and weaved in and out of traffic at speeds up to three times the legal limit. A concerned viewer of the video contacted the police, causing them to mount an operation to track down the culprit.

They found and arrested Owens, who lived with his wife and child. His defenders told the judge that Owens was the sole provider for his seriously ill wife who needed constant care and that if he was sent to jail, his daughter might not be able to stay in the family home.

This was enough to keep him out of jail, but not enough to avoid serious penalties. The judge sentenced Owens to 51 weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years after he admitted four counts of dangerous driving. He also has to complete 150 hours community service and is banned from driving for five years.

His motorcycle and camera were confiscated by the court to be destroyed.

Such driving might make for a thrilling video, but Owens is lucky to have not had a serious motorcycle accident.

Metier Law Firm – Denver accident attorneys