A truck driver who led police on a 25-mile chase across two counties has been sentenced in court.
Ieuan Griffiths was pulled over in a flatbed lorry in the Cuddington area of Cheshire just before 11am on Monday, August 10. As the officer left their vehicle to speak to him, the HGV drove away at speed.
Despite being pursued with emergency lights, Griffiths failed to stop and led officers on a 50-minute chase out of Cheshire and into West Mercia. Footage showed him weaving in and out of traffic, driving through red lights, overtaking cars and driving at speed.
Arrest and admission
The truck was eventually stopped on a narrow country lane in Whitchurch, but Griffiths ran from the scene. He was found hiding behind a shed in a nearby caravan park a short time later.
When arrested and questioned, the 21-year-old, from Wrexham, said: "I give them the run around and that was it really." Asked how he would describe his driving, he replied: "Yeah, not good." When questioned on the reason he drove in that manner, he said: "I don't actually know, I was thinking before I just don't know why."
Checks revealed he did not have a driving licence or insurance for the flatbed lorry. Griffiths, of Bedwell Road, Wrexham, was charged with dangerous driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving without insurance and failing to stop for police.
Court outcome
He pleaded guilty and appeared at Chester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, September 22. He was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was also banned from driving for two years and must complete an extended test before driving again. Griffiths was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and must pay over £270 in fees.
Following the sentencing, Police Constable Michael Clark, of the Roads and Crime Unit, said: "It is a miracle that Griffiths' blatant disregard for safety whilst driving did not result in himself, the pursuing officers or any other road users or pedestrians sustaining any serious injuries during this pursuit through Cheshire and out into West Mercia."
He added: "This case shows that regardless of the size of the vehicle you drive, we will not discriminate and will always seek to take action against anyone flouting the rules of the road and putting others at risk of harm."
