Sean Howells, 30, drove at four times the speed limit, reaching 80mph in a 20mph zone, during a police chase that ended when he crashed his Citroën Berlingo van into a pursuing patrol car. Merthyr Tydfil magistrates' court heard the incident occurred on March 19 at around 4am on the A4059 towards Mountain Ash.
Police Attempt Routine Stop
Prosecutor Mike Powell told the court that an officer's attention was drawn to Howells' van ahead. Due to the early hour and recent offences in the area, the officer decided to perform a routine stop. "The officer illuminated his lights to signal stop," Mr Powell said. "However, the van increased its speed."
The vehicle travelled at 80mph in a 40mph zone, then 60mph in a 30mph zone. It crossed a bridge to the B4275 heading towards Mountain Ash and drove through a red light. Heading towards Aberdare, the van again reached 80mph in a built-up area with a 20mph limit.
Crash and Arrest
Two police cars pursued the van. Mr Powell said the van slowed enough for officers to perform a box stop manoeuvre, with one car blocking it at the front and one behind. "The officer in front suddenly felt a large impact from the rear as the patrol car was effectively shunted by the defendant's vehicle," he said. This caused the officer's vehicle to fishtail before coming to a rest against the fencing of the A4059. The van stopped a short distance away, and Howells was arrested.
Howells gave a positive reading for a controlled drug, but forensic delays in blood results meant this was still under investigation at the time of the hearing.
Previous Convictions
Howells, of Bryn Awelon in Aberdare, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and failing to stop for a police officer. Just last year, he was fined and banned from driving for 12 months for drug-driving. That ban had ended shortly before the latest incident.
His solicitor Ross Williams said: "My client is clearly willing to engage with substance misuse support services and get back in employment. His misuse of controlled substances is the predominant factor in his offending behaviour." He added that Howells has a six-year-old daughter and must stop drug misuse to be part of her life, showing a high level of motivation to address these issues.
Sentence
Howells nodded as Presiding Justice Mary Morris described his driving as "utterly appalling". She imposed a one-year jail term but suspended it for two years because "we do feel there is a possibility for you to be rehabilitated". Ms Morris also handed down a two-year driving ban, a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement, 20 days of rehabilitation activity, 150 hours of unpaid work, a £187 victim services surcharge, and £85 in prosecution costs.
