Justin Evans, 30, from Tonyrefail, has been jailed for three years and two months after running over a police officer and trapping him between an Audi and a police car. He appeared at Newport Crown Court, where he was also disqualified from driving for five years.
Incident during search for wanted man
The court heard the incident happened in December 2025 during a search for a man wanted for shoplifting offences. Plain-clothed officers spotted the wanted man in an Audi A4 in the Tonyrefail area.
Officers blocked the car in and, while detaining the wanted man, Evans reversed the car at speed. The officer became trapped between the Audi and the police car and suffered serious injuries.
Plea and sentencing
Evans changed his plea from not guilty to guilty of wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent and also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.
Both Evans and the man fled the scene. The next day officers relocated the Audi at an address in the local area. When entering the address, they found Evans – alongside the wanted man – trying to hide in the kitchen.
Police response
South Wales Police detective constable Victoria Balzano said: "The courage displayed by our officers is truly commendable but it is important to recognise the profound impact these events have on the officers themselves, their families, and the wider community."
"Each officer is undoubtedly deeply affected by incidents such as these that officers face daily. Evans will now face a prison sentence that I hope reflects the severity of his actions."
The man wanted for shoplifting was sentenced to 10 weeks in prison in March 2026. He was sentenced after pleading guilty to harassment by breach of a restraining order on conviction, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, making off without payment, and six counts of theft from a shop.
