THIS is the man accused of riding his motorbike along a Cornish road at 170mph.

Motorcyclist Fred Bowden, 42, appeared in court to face charges that he rode at almost two-and-a-half times the 70mph speed limit. It is also alleged that Bowden was riding a Kawasaki ZX10-R dangerously. The 1000cc motorcycle has a top speed of 180mph and can do 0-60 in 2.6 seconds.

At Truro Magistrates' Court yesterday, Bowden was also charged with riding at 70mph in a 40mph limit, 100mph in a 60mph limit and 124mph in a 70mph limit. The alleged offences took place last July on the A307 and the A30 in Tolvaddon, Camborne.

Bowden, of Helston, Cornwall, entered no plea to a combined charge of excessive speeding and dangerous driving.

Magistrates committed the case to Truro Crown Court on March 27.

Bowden was granted unconditional bail.