A disqualified driver who rammed a police car twice and mounted pavements during a dangerous pursuit in South Wales has been jailed.
Jacob Roberts, 25, from Mountain Ash, was sentenced to one year and two months in prison at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Wednesday, 16 September.
He was also disqualified from driving for a further three years.
Roberts pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, failing to stop after a road accident, criminal damage and possession of a Class B drug.
Cannabis smell led to police pursuit
The incident happened near Abercwmboi in May after officers on routine patrol noticed what they described as a strong smell of cannabis coming from a van.
When police attempted to stop the vehicle, Roberts accelerated away.
During the pursuit, he drove at excessive speed, failed to stop at several junctions and mounted pavements, putting pedestrians and other road users at risk.
Roberts also reversed into the pursuing police vehicle twice and collided with parked cars and a building.
The pursuit eventually ended when Roberts drove into a dead-end street, abandoned the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot.
Officers chased and arrested him. A subsequent search found two cannabis cigarettes in his possession.
PC Peter Kerswell said: “Roberts was already banned from driving when he committed these offences; he showed complete disregard for all other road users, including pedestrians.
“I hope it acts as a deterrent for others who think of driving dangerously.
“It’s lucky that no one was seriously injured during this pursuit; we hope this sentence will give Roberts time to reflect on his actions.”
