Caught on Camera: Reckless Driver’s Facebook Boast Backfires
A Swansea man has been jailed for 12 months and slapped with a three-year driving ban after filming himself hurtling along a Welsh dual carriageway at a blistering 150mph – and posting the footage on Facebook.
The driver, from Morriston, Swansea, pled guilty to dangerous driving at Cardiff Crown Court on November 12. His brazen stunt was caught on video, showing his terrifying speed along the A449 in Monmouthshire in a black Rolls-Royce.
Public Outrage Sparks Swift Police Action
The shocking video was flagged to GoSafe, Wales’ Road Casualty Reduction Partnership, by concerned members of the public. The clip clearly showed the speedometer hitting 150mph, alongside shots of the driver’s face inside the car.
Police used Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and mobile phone location data to nail the driver. The evidence confirmed he was behind the wheel at the time the footage was taken.
Attempt to Dodge Responsibility Falls Flat
After receiving a Notice of Intended Prosecution, the driver tried to pin the blame on someone else—prompting police to investigate a possible attempt to pervert the course of justice. Despite this, he eventually pled guilty to both dangerous driving and this charge.
Cardiff Crown Court sentenced him to a year behind bars and disqualified him from driving for three years. Before he can regain his licence, he must pass an extended driving test and pay £1,000 prosecution costs.
Police Send Warning to All Road Users
“The vast majority of motorists are safe and competent, and it’s imperative we deal firmly with those who compromise road safety,” said Superintendent Simon Barrasford of North Wales Police. “Lives can be changed in an instant due to poor decisions or momentary lapses on the road. We all share the responsibility to keep roads safe.”
He emphasised that regular police operations target dangerous driving offences to keep roads safe for everyone.
Digital Clues Bring Justice
This case highlights how digital evidence like self-filmed videos and mobile data are becoming powerful tools in cracking down on reckless drivers. Thanks to vigilant citizens sharing footage, GoSafe was able to act swiftly and bring a dangerous motorist to justice.
