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Margate biker who refused to take breath test had 60 previous convictions

A motorcyclist who refused to be breathalysed after drinking alcohol already had 60 convictions for more than 180 offences, a court has been told.

Shaheed Camps, who has a history of violence, dishonesty and driving while disqualified, was back in the dock following his arrest in Margate.

Shaheed Camps has 61 convictions for 185 offences
Shaheed Camps has 61 convictions for 185 offences

Folkestone magistrates were told police had been called to Crow Hill Road to reports the 51-year-old was on a motorbike and suspected to be drunk.

When officers arrived they found Camps astride a Yamaha R6 in the middle of the road.

They took the keys from the ignition and noted Camps was unsteady on his feet when he climbed off the powerful bike,

Believing he was under the influence of alcohol, police arrested him on suspicion of drink-driving, and having no licence or insurance.

But when he was taken to Margate police station he refused to take a breath test.

Shaheed Camps refused to take a breath test. Stock picture istock, Stephen Barnes
Shaheed Camps refused to take a breath test. Stock picture istock, Stephen Barnes

Camps, of High Street, Garlinge, was later charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis, and driving without a licence or insurance.

He admitted the offences, which took place on January 7, and appeared for sentencing in Folkestone on Thursday.

The court was told his latest conviction placed him in breach of a conditional discharge he had been given last year for a low-level assault, sparked by an argument.

Jeremy King, prosecuting, said: “He is heavily convicted and has 61 convictions for 185 offences for various offences, including dishonesty, violence and driving offences.

“He was given a 12-month conditional discharge at Folkestone Magistrates’ in August for a common assault, and he has numerous convictions for driving while disqualified.

“2006 was the last driving matter.”

Shaheed Camps was sentenced at Folkestone Magistrates' Court
Shaheed Camps was sentenced at Folkestone Magistrates' Court

Camps claimed he had lent the motorbike to a friend that day but had gone to collect it after there was an issue with the vehicle.

He told police he realised he had consumed too much alcohol to drive, and had not been riding the bike when he was arrested.

The bench was told Camps moved to Margate a few years ago to get away from bad influences in his life, and that he suffered with ADHD, depression and potentially split-personality disorder.

He was sentenced to an 18-month community order for failing to provide a specimen for analysis, and ordered to complete 40 rehabilitation sessions.

He was also fined £150, plus an additional £150 for being uninsured, and £50 each for having no licence and breaching the conditional discharge.

Chairman of the bench Stephen Rogers said: “Given your record of offending the sessions are needed to address your offending behaviour.”

Camps was also banned from the road for 28 months and told to pay a victim surcharge of £114 and £85 costs.

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