Dangerous driver, 28, jailed after police chase through city

A BOY racer who sped away from police when they approached his car has been jailed after driving dangerously.

Scott Stephens, 28, was sentenced at Newport Crown Court yesterday after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.

The defendant’s black Vauxhall Corsa was spotted by officers in an unmarked police car as it was travelling towards them in Newport on June 18. The vehicle contained a number of people, and as it passed the officers’ car they saw rear nearside damage to the Corsa.

The unmarked police car followed the Corsa along Chepstow Road but when the car approached Somerton Road the driver accelerated sharply.

Prosecutor Matthew Roberts said: “It was clear the vehicle was acting due to (the officers’) presence and a pursuit ensued.”

The Corsa drove towards Somerton Bridge at around 55mph, which was considered dangerous due to the lack of visibility of approaching traffic.

On Nash Road the vehicle reached 77mph, braking hard as it approached the roundabout.

As the car took the exit towards Ringland, one of the officers became concerned that the number of people in the vehicle might be excessive as it appeared to be low on the road.

The Corsa was again observed turning sharp left, and it appeared to the officers that the driver was not in proper control of the vehicle.

During the chase the vehicle continued to reach speeds of 77mph, and as the car was going over speed bumps sparks flew due to friction.

By Langland Road the car went out of control after a stinger was used in an attempt to end the pursuit.

Stephens told officers he had been using Ecstasy and cocaine, but when he was breathalysed and drug tested it showed he had not been driving under influence.

In mitigation, the court heard that Stephens had “panicked” after he had seen the police.

Recorder Greg Bull QC sentenced Stephens, of Tennyson Road, Newport, to six months in jail and a three-year driving ban.