Driver is locked up after a 90mph chase in residential streets
A YOUNG unlicensed driver appeared to be under the influence of drink or drugs when he reached speeds of up to 100mph in residential streets during a police chase.
James Weaver, 20, was seen driving a stolen Citroen C2 in Brynmawr on September 9 – but he failed to stop and carried on driving at speed, overtaking other vehicles, driving through red lights and on the wrong side of the road.
He eventually crashed in a housing estate and was tracked down by police dogs, but when officers tried to arrest him he became aggressive and assaulted one of them by kicking out at them.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday heard Weaver and a passenger were first spotted at 1.40pm in King Street driving towards the Heads of the Valleys Road.
Prosecutor Marian Lewis said the defendant overtook other vehicles in 30mph zones at 70mph as he approached a zebra crossing.
He continued down a slip road at 80mph and drove through a set of lights at 90mph.
He then travelled the wrong way around a roundabout and approached a housing estate before crashing across a T junction and coming to a stop on a grass verge.
Two people were seen running from the car but both Weaver and his passenger were later detained.
When officers checked the defendant’s record, it was discovered he did not possess a driving licence or insurance.
Ms Lewis said: “He appeared to be under the influence of drink or drugs. He became verbally abusive, was shouting and swearing and kicked out at PC Davies in the leg.”
The defendant was also heard shouting “You’re a f ****** c*** and a bully”.
He was later restrained on the ground and taken to a police station, but he failed to provide a sample for analysis to determine if he was under the influence of drink and drugs.
Weaver, of Rhoslan, Tredegar, later pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, assaulting an emergency worker, failing to provide a specimen, a public order offence, driving without insurance and driving without a licence.
The court also heard he had a number of previous convictions for battery.
In mitigation, Eugene Egan said his client had experience a traumatic childhood and had been diagnosed with ADHD.
He also told the court that while he didn’t condone the defendant’s actions, Weaver had kicked out at the police officer after his sister became involved and the officer had “placed hands on her”, which led to the defendant overreacting.
Sentencing, Judge Timothy Petts said: “You knew full well you shouldn’t have been driving that car.
“That sort of thing just can’t be tolerated and those who do it must expect immediate custody.”
Weaver was sentenced to 10 months’ detention at a young offenders’ institute and was disqualified from driving for three years and five months.