A driver under the influence of alcohol drove up to speeds of 80mph in residential streets and had to be stopped with the use of a stinger. David Cousins, 27, was seen by police driving through Newport on February 25 last year at around 2.50am. He was driving erratically in a Seat Leon. A court heard he had previous convictions for drug offences.
The officers activated their lights and sirens, but the defendant made off, later approaching Grove Park roundabout at around 3.30am. He drove through various streets at dangerous speeds, including going through red lights and driving on the wrong side of road signs. Cousins was finally stopped by police deploying a stinger in Aberthaw Road, causing the car to slow down to 20mph before he ran off. He was found in possession of cocaine.
In court, Cousins pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and possession of cocaine. He had previous convictions, including supplying class A drugs. The defence mentioned his efforts post-prison release, securing a job and staying drug-free. Despite this, sentencing Recorder David Warner stated the offence was a deliberate attempt to evade the police and was driven by drugs.
Cousins received a suspended 32-week prison sentence, with additional requirements such as unpaid work, rehabilitation, court costs payment, and a two-year driving ban. The court described his actions as prolonged, persistent, deliberate, and extremely risky, emphasizing the seriousness of the offence. The defendant’s choice during the incident was deemed foolhardy and dangerous.