Custodial Sentence for Offender Reported to Operation SNAP

On the 22^nd June, 2019 a cyclist was riding his bicycle along the A4061, Bwlch Road into Tonypandy when a Suzuki GSXR 750 Motorcycle passed the cyclist closely.  The motorcycle was clearly travelling at high speed and the driver was also acting irresponsibly. This dangerous incident was captured on a camera that was attached to the bicycle and was subsequently submitted to Operation SNAP.

Every submission to Operation SNAP by a member of the public is examined and investigated by one of our dedicated decision makers. The officer who reviewed this submission decided that the manner of driving fell far below what is expected from a careful and competent rider and decided to prosecute the motorcyclist.

The registered keeper of the motorcycle was Mr. Daniel Allegretto from Ogmore Vale to whom we sent out a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP). Mr. Allegretto returned the documents, naming an individual from the Merthyr area as being the rider at the time of the offence.

A NIP was issued to the nominated person who subsequently denied being the rider, and in fact stated that they were out of the country on a family holiday at the time of the offence.

The Central Ticket Office (CTO) relayed this information to Mr. Allegretto, who in return produced falsified documentation, stating that he had sold the motorcycle on the morning prior to the offence.

Following Mr. Allegretto’s denial that he was the rider, Sergeant 3325 Pearce, an Enquiry Officer for GoSafe who run Operation SNAP, proceeded to open an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the offence, and subsequent offence of Perverting the Course of Justice.

A protracted investigation identified evidence that the Motorcycle was not sold at the time stated by Allegretto, and was in fact being ridden by him.

The matter proceeded to trial at Cardiff crown court in March 2021 and on the 12^th March the Jury found Mr. Allegretto unanimously guilty of Perverting the Course of Justice.

He was subsequently sentenced to six months imprisonment and handed a fine of £1,100.

Teresa Ciano, GoSafe Partnership Manager said:

“The excellent work demonstrated by Sergeant Pearce shows the real consequence for people who go to great lengths to avoid having motoring offences registered in their names. 

The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence and highlights the risk in the attitude of the offender towards careless and dangerous driving, which is a factor in serious and fatal collisions on our roads. 

In GoSafe, we have a dedicated team of 10 enquiry officers and a number of support staff across Wales who are determined to investigate these cases and bring offenders to justice.“

Specialist Operations Chief Inspector Helen Coulthard said:

“I hope this conviction sends out a clear message to motorists, and also provides some reassurance to vulnerable roads users such as cyclists and horse riders.

All road users must act in accordance with road traffic laws at all time.

I would actively encourage members of the public to submit video footage to the Operation Snap team via the online facility, should they see motorists failing to heed this advice and committing offences or acting in a manner which endangers others. As this case demonstrates, such reports will be thoroughly investigated.”