A MOTORCYCLIST who drove an off-road bike down the middle of a residential Burnley street put playing young children at risk, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how Storm Lee McGowan, 22, had been spotted on the unregistered bike by police in an unmarked vehicle on April 27.

A police car was forced to stop because of his actions.

The hearing was told McGowan was not insured, had no licence or MOT and was not wearing a helmet. He had never taken a test or held a licence at all.

The defendant, who has a young child, was told by the bench: "You are a father now.

“You need to grow up and act like one. You shouldn't drive round and put kids at risk."

McGowan, of Stockbridge Road, Padiham, admitted driving on Cleaver Street, Burnley, without due care and attention, not having insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, not having a test certificate and failing to wear protective headgear.

He was fined £145, with £65 costs and a £20 victim surcharge and was banned from driving for six months.