Shaun Burstow gets driving ban and ride impounded after trying to deceive police with hidden hinged numberplate

A MOTORCYCLIST who bizarrely tried to conceal his rego with a homemade hidden hinged device has had his cherished ride impounded.

A MOTORCYCLIST who bizarrely tried to conceal his rego with a homemade hidden hinged device has had his cherished ride impounded.

The rider was caught by alert cops after they noticed the rear numberplate on his Suzuki was ‘missing’, Dandenong Magistrates Court on May 15 heard.

The court heard Shaun Burstow was out riding in the city on November 5 last year with other bikers who he had met on Facebook.

They were flowing through heavy traffic on Hoddle St, Clifton Hill at around 9pm when police saw the dodgy bike.

They caught up with the 21-year-old Langwarrin electrical apprentice at an intersection, but he menacingly revved his ride, leading police to believe he was going to speed off.

An officer tackled him off the bike, sustaining slight injuries during the take-down.

He was arrested and the bike was impounded.

When they inspected it they found there was a homemade hinged rego plate flap, which could be flipped upwards to disappear from view, on the rear.

Burstow’s defence lawyer said his riding behaviour that night was “immature” and he had made an “unfortunate decision” to rev the bike in a fashion which led police to believe there may be a pursuit.

Burstow has since sent a letter of apology to the police officer involved.

Magistrate Steven Raleigh said he didn’t understand the logic of trying to deceive the police with hidden devices when it was obvious they would be found.

“Why risk it, it makes no sense to me,” Mr Raleigh said.

Burstow was given a six-month good behaviour bond and disqualified from driving for six months.