Two men have been jailed after a high-speed pursuit on the M4, during which a high-powered lamp was deliberately shone into the eyes of a pursuing traffic cop.
At around 1am on 22 December, Jordan Jones, 26, of Cormorant Way, Dyffryn, was spotted speeding in a grey Vauxhall Astra on the M4 westbound near junction 18. He was driving while disqualified and without insurance.
Jones failed to stop for police, leading officers on a pursuit reaching speeds of up to 120mph. During the incident, he repeatedly drove at police vehicles and came close to causing multiple collisions.
His passenger, Lloyd Davis, 23, of Bryn Heol, Bedwas, used a high-powered light to dazzle the pursuing officers. The beam was directed into the windscreen and directly into the eyes of PC Hobbs, while also throwing objects from the vehicle.
The pursuit ended near junction 23 for Magor when the Astra’s engine failed. Both men were arrested at the scene.
Jones was later charged and admitted to dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving while disqualified. At Newport Crown Court on Tuesday (26 August), he was sentenced to 16 months in prison and disqualified from driving for four years and two months.
Davis admitted causing danger to road users, aiding and abetting dangerous driving and obstructing a police officer. He was jailed for nine months and received an additional sentence of three years and nine months for unrelated drug offences following a Gwent Police investigation.
Roads policing officer PC Hobbs, of Wiltshire Police, said: “From what was a routine traffic stop, this turned into one of the most dangerous experiences of my career.
“Having a light that was so powerful shone directly into my eyes, heating my face, while pursuing a fleeing vehicle was a challenge.
“Thanks to my training and desire to keep the public safe, with the support of my colleagues, we brought this pursuit to a safe conclusion and both individuals were arrested.
“The sentencing for both the driver and passenger are a fair reflection on the dangers they posed to other road users, and I hope it stands as an incentive for others not to be so reckless.”
