John Bingham, 59, founder of a motorcycle club, was sentenced at Airdrie Sheriff Court this week after confronting a female motorcyclist from a rival group on a country road near Airdrie. The incident took place on the evening of 30 April last year, when Bingham followed the lone rider in his distinctive Chevrolet car. The female biker, who had been with fellow riders but was alone at the time, was heading towards the village of Greengairs around 8pm when Bingham's vehicle emerged from a layby and began tailing her.
According to court reports, Bingham’s car pulled alongside the motorcyclist before dropping back, then overtook and cut in front of her bike, forcing her to stop. Bingham then exited his vehicle holding an object that the rider believed to be a knife; however, Bingham stated it was a metal shoe horn he used to assist with his biking boots. The woman managed to manoeuvre her motorcycle around Bingham’s car and fled the scene unharmed.
Bingham, who resides in Upperton near Airdrie, admitted to threatening or abusive behaviour towards the woman. His lawyer explained that Bingham did not realise the biker was female, as she was wearing a helmet. The lawyer also revealed that Bingham’s actions were influenced by ongoing tensions between his newly formed Freeborn Motorcycle Club and the rival Blue Angels Motorcycle Club. Disputes over logos and club territories had led to what Bingham described as intimidation and instances of violence from members of the Blue Angels, who he believed were keeping him under surveillance.
Speaking to the court, Bingham’s defence stated: “Mr Bingham was anxious and accepts he followed her bike and forced her to stop. He emerged with a metal shoe horn that he keeps in his vehicle to help him put on his biking boots. He wanted to confront this person and ask why they were doing this.”
Sheriff Paul Haran sentenced Bingham to a six-month electronic tagging order, restricting him to his home between 7pm and 7am daily. Additionally, Bingham was disqualified from driving for 108 days, a penalty that will reportedly impact his employment as a manager with a CCTV installation firm.
Bingham has a notable past, having faced a murder trial in 2013. He was acquitted of the murder of Alister Milroy, 44, whom he admitted to stabbing five times in Annathill near Coatbridge but claimed was in self-defence after being attacked by Milroy.
The case highlights ongoing conflict between motorcycle clubs in the region and the challenges surrounding such disputes. The Daily Record is reporting on this incident in detail.
Source: Noah Wire Services