Teenage Driver Rams Police Cars at Roundabout in Shocking Incident
A teenage driver caused chaos and danger on the roads as he led the police on a pursuit and then rammed their cars at a roundabout. The shocking incident, which took place on the evening of July 4 last year, saw 19-year-old Jay Malone showing a complete disregard for the law and safety of others. Malone, who had never passed a driving test and only held a provisional licence at the time, damaged two police cars and left officers with pains in their backs and necks.
Merthyr Crown Court heard that the pursuit started when police identified Malone’s car on the A470 near Nantgarw. Instead of stopping, the teenager decided to engage in a dangerous game with the officers. He drove two laps of the Nantgarw interchange before heading along the A468, with several police units attempting to box him in at the Cedar Tree roundabout. However, Malone responded aggressively by reverse-ramming a police car behind him and then driving into the side of an unmarked car ahead of him. He then fled the scene along Pontygwindy Road, leaving chaos and destruction behind.
The impact of Malone’s reckless actions caused significant damage to the unmarked police car, smashing its passenger-side window and setting off the side airbags. Fortunately, the officers involved only suffered minor injuries, including pains in their necks and backs. Malone was eventually apprehended after abandoning his car and initially refusing to provide his details to the authorities. Upon checks, it was revealed that he held only a provisional licence, further highlighting his blatant disregard for road laws.
During his court appearance, Malone pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving, driving without a proper licence, and driving without insurance. It was also revealed that he had a history of previous convictions, including offences such as thefts from dwellings and driving while disqualified. Despite having been given a community order for a previous offence, Malone seemed intent on flouting the law and driving illegally.
In her defence of Malone, his lawyer, Harriet Ealden, described his troubled background, coming from a deprived family and having experienced trauma in his youth. She highlighted that his time in prison awaiting sentencing had allowed him to reflect on his actions and consider changing his ways. Malone was said to be engaging in self-improvement courses and had aspirations of starting his own business upon his release from custody.
Judge Eugene Egan, however, was firm in his sentencing, describing Malone’s driving as reckless and unnecessary. He noted the defendant’s repeated defiance of court orders and his lack of regard for the law. Despite a one-third discount for his guilty pleas, Malone was sentenced to 44 weeks of detention in a young offenders institution. Additionally, he was banned from driving for over two years and required to pass an extended test before regaining his licence.
The judge’s decision reflected the seriousness of Malone’s actions and his continued pattern of offending. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of dangerous driving and the importance of adhering to road laws to ensure the safety of all road users.