Joy-riding teen hit owner of motorbike he stole

A Masterton teen who stole a motorbike from a shed in South Belt, Solway, collided with its owner in Queen Elizabeth Park, causing serious injuries.

Jason Dean Hart, 17, pleaded guilty in Masterton District Court yesterday to breaking into the garage with intent to commit a crime, unlawfully taking the motorbike and dangerous driving causing injury.

He was convicted and remanded on bail for sentence on December 3.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Jodie Lawrence said about 4.30pm on September 25 Hart went to the South Belt property where he kicked in the door of a shed, breaking the hinges.

Hart cut the chain securing the $1000 125cc motorbike belonging to Briggs Pilkington and rode it to Queen Elizabeth Park.

Mr Pilkington was walking on a pathway when he heard the motorbike coming from behind but he couldn't get out of the way and the motorbike hit him.

As a result Mr Pilkington suffered extensive injuries to his right hand, cuts to his legs and facial bruising and needed hospital treatment, Sergeant Lawrence said.

Hart was later found by police and told them he had taken the motorbike to go joy riding.

Judge Stephen Harrop said the charges against Hart were serious, carrying maximum terms of imprisonment ranging from five to 10 years. He said Hart was a young man with no previous convictions and that he was not prepared to sentence him until he had more information, including a victim impact report.