Terrifying footage has surfaced of a drug-dealing former rugby captain who engaged in a 140mph police chase, ultimately leading to the discovery of £300,000 worth of cocaine at his residence. Maredudd Francis, a former rugby star turned drug dealer, was recently sentenced to a total of four years and four months in jail. The incident, captured on dash cam, shows Francis crashing into another vehicle while attempting to evade the police. The pursuit took place along the M56 motorway, where Francis reached speeds of up to 139mph and attempted to discard packages out of his car window before colliding with another vehicle at a roundabout.
Cheshire Police, who pursued Francis, unveiled the dash cam footage depicting the beginning and the violent end of the chase leading to the collision. Following the crash, a subsequent search of Francis’ Wrexham residence uncovered significant amounts of Class A and Class B drugs. The 31-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving, possession with intent to supply cocaine, and possession with intent to supply cannabis. Besides his custodial sentence, Francis was also handed a two-year driving disqualification, along with the requirement to undergo an extended driving test before regaining his driving privileges upon release from prison.
The alarming pursuit unfolded when a Cheshire Police officer attempted to stop Francis, who was driving a grey BMW 325 on the M56 with his partner in the passenger seat. The vehicle was suspected to have ties to illegal drug supply, prompting the officer to signal for the BMW to exit the motorway. However, Francis rapidly accelerated, narrowly avoiding a collision with a heavy goods vehicle before rejoining the motorway. The pursuit intensified as speeds escalated, culminating in a collision at junction 10 for Stretton, where the BMW crashed into a Toyota Hilux truck before being apprehended by the police.
Further investigations revealed evidence of money laundering, as a substantial sum of cash was found in the footwell of the BMW. Additionally, a search of an address linked to Francis in North Wales uncovered cocaine, cannabis, cash, cigarettes, a Rolex watch, and a pair of Versace sunglasses, all stashed inside a suitcase. Despite the seizable quantity of illicit substances and incriminating items discovered, Francis refused to acknowledge responsibility and remained silent during questioning, later pleading guilty to the charges at Mold Crown Court and subsequently receiving a 52-month sentence.
In response to the sentencing, Police Constable AJ Reid, involved in the pursuit of Francis, condemned the former rugby captain’s reckless actions endangering lives on the M56. The discovery of drugs and related paraphernalia pointed to a sophisticated drug dealing operation, reinforcing the commitment of Cheshire Constabulary to combat illegal drug activities in the northern region of the county. The successful apprehension and prosecution of Francis represent a significant accomplishment in disrupting drug supplies and safeguarding the community from the detrimental impact of drug-related crimes.
The case of Maredudd Francis serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in illicit drug activities and the law enforcement’s unwavering dedication to upholding justice. The footage of the high-speed chase and subsequent crash underscores the dangers posed by individuals involved in drug trafficking and the imperative of robust enforcement measures to combat such criminal activities effectively. As communities strive to combat the scourge of drug-related crimes, collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and vigilant citizens remain essential in fostering safer neighbourhoods for all.