Van driver caught ramming police cars while driving disqualified 21 times
A driver with a long history of offending has been caught ramming police cars as he attempted to evade capture while driving disqualified for the 21st time. Nathan Krishnan was behind the wheel of a stolen van with false plates when police attempted to stop him. In court, a judge at Swansea Crown Court remarked that it was evident the defendant had “no regard” for road rules or the safety of others.
Krishnan had a total of 122 previous offences on his record, showcasing a pattern of repeated offending. His barrister mentioned to the court that his client had spent a significant portion of his adult life in and out of prison, leading to him becoming “institutionalised” and struggling to adapt to life outside of prison walls. Alexandra Wilson, the prosecutor, detailed how the stolen van, decked with cloned number plates, was spotted by police on the M4 motorway.
The van, exceeding speed limits on various roads, was eventually intercepted in Llanelli after a pursuit. Krishnan’s reckless actions included attempting to evade police cars by ramming them before abandoning the van and attempting to flee the scene. Despite his extensive criminal record and previous convictions for driving while disqualified, Krishnan pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified, and driving with no insurance.
During sentencing, his defence lawyer, Julia Cox, acknowledged his abysmal motoring history, attributing it to his struggles with life outside prison. Krishnan expressed a desire to turn his life around through rehabilitation programs whilst incarcerated. Judge Paul Thomas KC condemned Krishnan’s blatant disregard for road safety and imposed a custodial sentence of 18 months. With a one-third discount for pleading guilty, Krishnan is expected to serve half the sentence before release on licence.
Additionally, Krishnan was banned from driving for 33 months and required to pass an extended driving test before regaining his licence – an outcome deemed unlikely by the judge given Krishnan’s history. The judge expressed surprise at the prosecution’s decision not to pursue a charge of dangerous driving, suggesting it was fortuitous for Krishnan. The case highlights the concerning reality of persistent offending and the challenges of rehabilitating individuals with extensive criminal histories.
Despite Krishnan’s repeated run-ins with the law and numerous convictions, his courtroom appearance shed light on the complexities of addressing recidivism and the importance of effective rehabilitation programs. The case serves as a stark reminder of the impact of repeat offenders on road safety and the wider community, prompting reflection on strategies to break the cycle of offending. Krishnan’s sentencing underscores the need for a holistic approach to rehabilitation, balancing punitive measures with supportive interventions to facilitate lasting change.
In light of Krishnan’s sentencing and his history of driving offences, there is a broader conversation to be had around addressing root causes of repeat offending and enhancing measures to support individuals reintegrating into society post-incarceration. The case of Nathan Krishnan highlights the complexities of dealing with persistent offenders and raises questions about the efficacy of current rehabilitation efforts in reducing recidivism rates. As discussions continue on improving the criminal justice system, cases like Krishnan’s serve as a compelling call for comprehensive interventions to break the cycle of offending and promote long-term rehabilitation.