Charlie Manestar, 19, pleads guilty to dangerous driving on motorcycle

A teenage motorcyclist told police he was “just being stupid” after he was caught travelling more than 150km/h in an 80 zone in Curlewis.

Police busted a teenager riding his motorcycle at 152km/h in an 80km/h zone in Curlewis. Picture: Peter Ristevski

An L-plate motorcyclist who was busted by police travelling at 70km/h over the speed limit told officers he was “just being stupid”.

Charlie Manestar, 19, fronted the Geelong Magistrates Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to one charge of dangerous driving.

About 5.30pm on July 10 last year, Manestar was spotted by police travelling on his green motorcycle along Wallington Rd in Curlewis.

Police estimated he was reaching speeds of about 150km/h along the road, which has a speed limit of 80km/h.

A speed check using a radar gun detected Manestar was travelling at 152km/h.

Police performed a U-turn and activated their lights and sirens.

Manestar pulled over near Portarlington Rd and produced a Victorian learners permit.

When asked by police why he was speeding, he said “it was a hard week”.

“I’m just being stupid,” he told officers.

Police told Manestar his speed was “dangerous” in an 80km/h zone to which he replied “that is totally fair”.

Manestar’s lawyer told the court his client was working as an apprentice cabinet maker and had completed a road trauma course after the incident.

“It was a silly and stupid decision and one that could have had disastrous consequences,” his lawyer said.

“This has been hammered home to him through the road trauma course.

“It’s clear to him the dangers his actions posed to him and other road users.”

His lawyer said it was his client’s first time before the court and urged magistrate Ann McGarvie to not convict him and impose a fine.

The police prosecution said Manestar was remorseful for his actions and had taken steps to address his behaviour but a conviction was in range due to him driving 72km/h over the limit.

Ms McGarvie described Manestar’s driving as “absolutely insane”.

“If you had hit the gravel or tried to avoid a rabbit or hit a pothole ... you would have been wrapped around a tree or pole and your family would be attending a funeral,” she said.

“You cannot survive a motorcycle crash going 150km/h.

“I accept you were 18 at the time ... we’ve all done stupid, stupid things.

“You pulled over immediately, you agreed with police immediately and you’ve sold your bike.”

Manestar escaped conviction, his license was suspended for 12 months and he was fined $650.

Originally published as Charlie Manestar, 19, pleads guilty to dangerous driving on motorcycle