Spared jail after driving at police during incident

A MAN who drove his car towards a police officer and hit him has been spared jail.

Ryan O’Neill had been signalled to stop by officers carrying out a search warrant at his home in Maes Geraint, Pentraeth.

Caernarfon Crown Court heard O’Neill failed to stop and struck the officer on the hand, before another officer had to take cover as O’Neill drove off.

The 48-year-old had been due to stand trial on a charge of driving dangerously and possessing illegal drugs with intent to supply.

But moments before the jury was to be chosen his barrister asked for two of the three charges to be put to him again. O’Neill admitted the driving offence and possessing a quantity of cocaine with intent to supply.

A charge of possessing amphetamine was ordered to lie on the file.

Charges against another man, Andrew Pritchard, 52, of Nant y Felin, Pentraeth, were not proceeded with and not guilty verdicts were entered on his behalf.

Judge Huw Rees handed O’Neill an 18-month jail term suspended for 18 months. He must carry out 200 hours of unpaid community work and was banned from driving for 12 months.

The judge told him: “You have been given an opportunity. If you breach the order you will be brought back here and I’ll send you to prison. Tread carefully.”