A former rugby captain turned drug dealer has been jailed for four years and four months after leading police on a high-speed chase that ended in a collision. Maredudd Francis, 31, of Coed Aben, Wrexham, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine) and possession with intent to supply class B drugs (cannabis) at Mold Crown Court on Tuesday 28 January.
Dash cam footage released by Cheshire Police shows the beginning of the pursuit on the M56 on 29 September 2024, when an officer attempted to stop Francis's grey BMW 325. The vehicle, believed to be linked to drug supply, initially complied before accelerating onto a traffic island, narrowly missing an HGV, and re-joining the motorway. Speeds reached up to 139mph as the BMW weaved between traffic.
The chase concluded at junction 10 for Stretton, where Francis went through a red light and collided with a Toyota Hilux truck. Remarkably, no serious injuries were sustained. He was arrested at the scene for dangerous driving, then further arrested on suspicion of money laundering after a large quantity of cash was found in the passenger footwell. He was also observed attempting to snap a phone while in handcuffs.
A subsequent search of an address linked to Francis in Wrexham uncovered cocaine and cannabis estimated to be worth up to £3,500, along with approximately £10,000 in cash, 1,000 cigarettes, a Rolex watch and a pair of Versace sunglasses. Francis answered 'no comment' to all questions but later pleaded guilty to the charges. He was handed a two-year driving disqualification to take effect upon his release, and must pass an extended test before driving again.
Police Constable AJ Reid, who engaged in the pursuit, said Francis showed a blatant disregard for the safety of himself, his partner and other road users. Reid added that the evidence found and Francis's attempts to destroy a phone demonstrated his guilt and his belief that he could evade justice.
