Taser Terror on M4 Ends with Community Sentence
A man sparked chaos on the M4 near Newport after he grabbed a police officer’s dropped Taser and aimed it at him during a wild roadside row. Daniel Baker, 37, from Blaenau Gwent, has been slapped with a 12-month community order for the shocking stunt.
Mobile Phone Stop Goes Wrong
The drama unfolded on the eastbound M4 between Junctions 24 and 25 on August 1, 2024. Police pulled over Baker after spotting him using his mobile phone behind the wheel.
Suspecting he was under the influence, officers planned to search him, but Baker went from uncooperative to aggressive. During the ensuing struggle, the officer’s Taser fell from its holster—and Baker grabbed it.
Shock as Taser Aimed at Officer
Prosecutor Paul Hewitt told Newport Crown Court how Baker pointed the Taser at the officer, who fought back with punches and managed to wrestle the weapon away. Police later found a small stash of cocaine on Baker.
Court Hits Baker with Tough Community Order
- Charged with possession of a Taser
- Resisting arrest
- Possession of Class A drug (cocaine)
- Driving while using a handheld mobile phone
Baker pleaded guilty to all counts. His lawyer, Rose Glanville, stressed his remorse and clean past, pointing out he works at a nuclear power station and supports his fiancée and two kids.
“He recognises that had he just complied at the roadside, none of this would have happened,” said Glanville. “These offences are entirely out of character.”
Judge Daniel Williams handed down the sentence:
“You were stopped on the M4 after using your phone and appeared under the influence of drugs. You resisted arrest, grabbed the officer’s Taser, and aimed it at him. The officer feared for his safety and punched you to disarm you. You were found with cocaine.”
Baker must complete 150 hours of unpaid work, 10 days of rehab activities, pay £1,314 in fines and costs, and had six penalty points added to his driving licence.
Public Outcry Over Sentence
The sentence has divided opinion online. Some say community service isn’t tough enough for someone pointing a Taser at a copper.
One social media user fumed, “Pointing a Taser at a cop should mean jail time, not community service.” Another warned, “Lucky he wasn’t shot—dangerous for everyone involved.”
Police urge all drivers to stay calm and cooperate during traffic stops, especially if suspected of breaking the law.
