A MAN who was pronounced dead at the scene of a motorbike crash has been banned from driving for 10 years following a 'remarkable' recovery.

Benjamin Ruck, 26, was airlifted to hospital after crashing a sports motorbike at 'excessive speed' on the B4234 near Walford in July last year.

An investigation showed that Ruck, who was disqualified and uninsured at the time of the crash, lost control and hit a verge before being thrown into the road.

Ruck was test driving the motorbike for a family member and was being chased by an unmarked police car when the crash happened.

Owen Beale, prosecuting at Hereford Magistrates Court said that at around 4pm on July 10 an unmarked police car was on patrol towards Walford when he noticed a sports motorbike emerging ahead of him.

"He followed it without concern but then the motorbike accelerated hard over the 40 miles per hour limit and travelling too fast in a built up area," said Mr Beale.

"The police officer tried to close-up the distance and put his blue lights on so it would be apparent to members of the public as he was in an unmarked car. The person continued to ride at excessive speed and overtook in a 30 miles per hour limit - narrowly missing an oncoming vehicle.

"Ruck then went out of sight and when he came across it the motorbike had lost control and crashed. He was clearly badly hurt and it was thought to be life threatening initially but he has recovered to a remarkable degree."

During interview Ruck told police he was trying to get away from the officer as he didn't want to go to prison.

Ruck of Woodedge, Ross-on-Wye, had been disqualified for three years in March 2017 for drink driving.

He pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, driving whilst disqualified, uninsured and failing to stop for a police officer.

Chris Read, mitigating, said that Ruck had been carrying out a test drive of the Yamaha R6 for a family member at the time of the incident.

"The motorbike was proposed to be sold from one family member to another," added Mr Read.

"He was asked to carry out a test drive and reluctantly agreed but knew it was a stupid thing to have done.

"Ruck was massively injured and pronounced dead at one point at the scene before being airlifted to Birmingham hospital where he spent many months. He is still dealing with the injuries as a result of the accident and will be for many years.

"He receives medical treatment on a daily basis which is set to continue for a very long time into the future. He can't do unpaid work as he can barely stand up and can't cuddle his own children.

"He has been massively punished already and is the author of his own misfortune. The impact of this is life changing. He is in constant pain which is going to continue for a very long time into the future.

"Clearly Ruck could be further disqualified but the prospect of him driving a motor vehicle in the next few years is zero as he hasn't the ability to do it."

Magistrates banned Ruck from driving for 10 years, which can be appealed after five years of his ban has been served.

He was also ordered to pay a £110 fine, £135 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.