A MOTORCYCLIST who rode his motorbike along a Cornish road at 170mph has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.

Fred Bowden, 42, was going at almost two-and-a- half times the legal limit on his high-powered motorbike.

He pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving at Truro Crown Court yesterday.

Flanked by security guards in the dock, Bowden, wearing a suit and tie, spoke only to confirm his name and enter the guilty plea.

No evidence was heard yesterday but at a previous hearing at Truro Magistrates, the court was told that Bowden was also charged with riding at 70mph in a 40mph limit, 100mph in a 60mph limit and 124mph in a 70mph limit.

Bowden was riding a Kawasaki ZX10-R, a 1000cc motorcycle which has a top speed of 180mph and can do 0-60 in 2.6 seconds.

The offences took place last July on the A307 and the A30 in Tolvaddon, Camborne.

Defence barrister Robert Linford told the crown court yesterday that Bowden was a man of "hitherto impeccable character" and asked for sentencing to be adjourned while a report was compiled.

Judge Christopher Elwen adjourned sentencing until next month for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.