Joshua Thomas (Image: Gwent Police)
Last Updated: 15 April 2026
A 20-year-old who was given two chances to stay out of custody has now been detained after repeatedly flouting the terms of his sentences and reoffending.
Joshua Thomas, of The Courtlands, Greenmeadow, Cwmbran, is now serving nine months in a young offender institution following a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.
High-speed pursuit through Cwmbran
The court heard how Thomas had been handed a 10-month sentence in July 2025, suspended for 18 months, after he led officers on a dangerous chase through the streets of Cwmbran on November 1, 2024.
Thomas had been behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Astra despite having no licence when police signalled for him to pull over. He refused and sped off, taking officers on a pursuit through Greenmeadow, St Dials, Hollybush and Fairwater.
Throughout the chase he ran red lights and drove straight through junctions, narrowly avoiding multiple collisions.
Prosecutor Hywel Davies told the court: “Thankfully no collision or injury was caused.”
When Thomas finally brought the vehicle to a halt, he jumped out and attempted to flee on foot before being caught. He gave a “no comment” interview after his arrest.
He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. A three-year driving ban was also imposed alongside the suspended term.
Previous suspended sentence
That was not his first brush with a suspended sentence. Earlier in 2025, Thomas had already been given a suspended term in a young offender institution for a string of offences that included possession of a knife in public the previous April.
Further offending
Despite being handed two separate chances to avoid detention, Thomas continued to offend. On November 9, 2025, he was caught driving a Mercedes-Benz CLA on Malpas Road in Newport whilst disqualified, without a licence, and after going through a red light.
He pleaded guilty to all three matters. Thomas also admitted damaging a Gwent Police vehicle on March 14.
Sentencing
His defence representative, Emma Harris, conceded there was little that could be said in his favour regarding the dangerous driving conviction.
“In respect to the dangerous driving matters there is little that can be said – it was an appalling piece of driving,” she told the court.
Thomas will be released after serving 40 per cent of his nine-month sentence in custody. He must also pay a statutory victim surcharge and will be required to pass an extended driving test.
