A Burnley man who filmed himself stealing a motorbike and posted the footage on TikTok has been jailed, with a judge stating he had "no sympathy" for the offender. Cosworth Flemming, 21, of Griffin Close, Burnley, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court after pleading guilty to burglary and aggravated vehicle taking.
The Brazen TikTok Video
The court heard that on July 18, 2025, Flemming and an accomplice targeted a KTM motorcycle secured in a shed in Burnley. The owner had taken extra precautions with additional locks after noticing suspicious interest from two men who had visited earlier to collect an item purchased via Facebook Marketplace.
At around 1.30am, the victim's stepson discovered a TikTok video showing the burglars breaking into the shed. Alerted to the theft, the owner immediately went out to search for his bike and spotted two men riding it towards Rawtenstall.
Chaotic Chase and Crash
Flemming, who was in control of the stolen motorbike, lost control of the vehicle and collided with a parked Seat car. The impact caused the bike to veer off the road and crash into a lamppost.
The motorbike owner confronted the thieves, pushing Flemming against a wall. The second assailant responded by punching the victim in the face before fleeing the scene. Flemming was later identified through DNA samples taken from his blood found on the damaged motorcycle.
Arrest and Impact on Victim
Flemming was arrested on October 31, 2025, after police found him hiding in a wardrobe at his home. In a victim impact statement, the bike owner described the significant distress caused by the incident.
He explained that both his shed and motorbike sustained damage, requiring costly repairs. The experience has left him feeling more anxious at night, particularly when his CCTV system activates. He also noted that the TikTok videos of the break-in remain online, causing him ongoing distress.
Judge's Stern Rebuke
Sentencing Flemming, Judge Michael Maher delivered a strong condemnation of the defendant's actions. "The pair of you crowed about this on TikTok to advertise your ill-gotten gains," he stated. "You hadn't counted on the owner pursuing you through the streets of Rawtenstall."
The judge continued, "You and your crony fled into the night but your blood was found on the bike. You were injured in that incident. You won't get any sympathy from me, but neither do you ask for it." Flemming sustained a significant forehead injury during the crash, with the resulting scar serving as a permanent reminder of his crimes.
Sentence and Consequences
Judge Maher sentenced Flemming to nine months in detention for burglary, with an additional six months to run concurrently for aggravated vehicle taking. The court also imposed a 16-month driving ban.
This case highlights the growing trend of criminals using social media platforms to boast about illegal activities, and the serious consequences that follow when such evidence is presented in court.
