Jamie James, 32, was under the influence of ketamine and THC when he sped off from police, leading to a high-speed chase that involved a police helicopter. The pursuit began after officers attempted to alert him to a broken tail light on his Audi A3.
Pursuit Details
At around 12:10am on September 11, 2024, James initially stopped outside Pinetree Cards in Tonypandy but drove off when an officer got out to speak to him. The chase reached speeds of 50mph in a 30mph zone, and James failed to slow down for speed calming measures at the Amos Hill roundabout. On the A4223 in Pontypridd, he reached 60mph, overtook a vehicle, drove through a red traffic light, and passed a 'no entry' sign in North Road.
The police car pursuit was stood down, but the National Police Air Service helicopter took over, tracking the Audi A3 until James was detained and handcuffed. He was taken to Merthyr Tydfil custody suite.
Drug Test Results
A drugs test revealed 5.1 micrograms of THC per 100ml of blood, exceeding the legal limit of two micrograms, and 96 micrograms of ketamine per 100ml of blood, against the legal limit of 20 micrograms. Prosecutor Binita Tamang told Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court that James was "highly impaired" after admitting to a "concoction of drugs".
Previous Convictions
James, of Pontypridd Road, Porth, pleaded guilty to two counts of drug driving, dangerous driving, and driving whilst disqualified. The court heard he has three previous convictions for dangerous driving and seven for driving whilst disqualified. After the current offence, he committed further offences including possession of a controlled drug, resisting a constable, driving whilst disqualified, and driving without insurance.
Sentencing
In mitigation, Kirstern Murphy said there was a "realistic prospect of rehabilitation" due to James's "good rapport" with his probation officer and completion of courses to address his behaviour. Recorder Paul Lewis KC remarked: "You have absolutely no regard for the rules of the road or court orders disqualifying you from driving, you ignore them and do your own thing." With "hesitation", the judge suspended the prison sentence because of James's progress with probation. James was sentenced to 54 weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years, ordered to complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and disqualified from driving for four years.
