Jack Heard (Image: Gwent Police)
Last Updated: 48 seconds ago
A serial dangerous driver has been sent to prison for two years after writing off a disabled man’s Motability car in a 90mph police pursuit – then being caught behind the wheel again seven months later.
A car taken in the night
Jack Heard, 28, took a Ford Focus from outside its owner’s Pontypool home in the small hours of Thursday, October 2, 2025. Officers gave chase at around 2am and watched the car reach roughly 90mph on roads limited to 30, narrowly avoiding a collision with another vehicle. The pursuit ended when Heard misjudged a bend, went into bushes and abandoned the car, which was written off. A dog unit was deployed and traced the passenger who had been travelling with him, but Heard himself got away.
What it cost the owner
Prosecutor Abdallah Barakat read the court a statement in which the vehicle’s owner described being left housebound once the car was gone, no longer able to do his shopping or visit friends. He was also left almost £500 out of pocket.
Seven months on the run
Heard remained at large until officers spotted him driving a Citroen Berlingo van in Cwmbran on Tuesday, May 12. A second pursuit followed, with the van driven at 50mph through 20mph streets and several vehicles narrowly missed. Heard struck a blue Ford Transit van before turning into a cul-de-sac with no way out. He ran off once more, but on this occasion was caught and arrested.
A record stretching back years
Heard, of Tudor Road, Southville, Cwmbran, admitted a number of offences including aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified. The court heard he has 21 previous convictions covering 38 offences. His record now includes three convictions for dangerous driving and two for aggravated vehicle taking.
Mitigation
Defence barrister Dan Jones said fatherhood had shifted his client’s outlook, telling the court “he says he now has something to live for”. He acknowledged Heard had been drinking and using drugs when the October offences took place, adding: “The defendant said he was taking anything he could get his hands on.”
Sentencing
Judge Carl Harrison told him: “You have a terrible record for such offences.”
Heard was jailed for two years and disqualified from driving for three years, the ban to begin on his release from prison. He must pass an extended retest before he can drive again, and pay a £228 victim surcharge.
