Trial over B.C. 300 km/h motorcycle video begins

The trial of a man allegedly responsible for a viral YouTube video showing a 300 km/h motorcycle ride on a highway in 2012 began Tuesday in Victoria, B.C..

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Randy George Scott, 26, is facing charges over the dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, after police became aware of the video, which was posted to YouTube on April 8, 2012.

The video shows the driver of a motorcycle going at high speeds on the TransCanada Highway north of Victoria, at one point nearing 300km/h, weaving between vehicles and sometimes passing along the centre line.

At the time, veteran traffic officers and professional motorcycle riders were shocked by the footage, and said it was lucky no one was killed.

A week after the video was posted, Saanich police seized a blue Yamaha R1 — the motorcycle believed to have been used in the video.

Officers said the bike was registered to the rider's mother. They said the rider was unlicensed and uninsured.

In June, police issued a warrant for Scott, and in July, he turned himself in.

In court Tuesday, the defence argued the motorcycle was seized illegally without a warrant and also tried to cast doubt on whether Scott was the actual driver.

The Crown said police "probably should" have had a warrant for the bike but they don't think it will be pivotal to the case.

It is expected the judge will rule tomorrow on whether evidence related to the seizure can be submitted at the trial or not.

The trial is expected last two days. If convicted, Scott could face up to five years in prison.

None of the charges have been proven in court.