Driver Jailed for 120mph Drug-Fuelled Police Chase

A driver under the influence of drugs reached speeds of 120mph during a police chase before crashing into a lamppost, narrowly missing a group of pedestrians in Cwmbran. 🚗💨

Craig Peacock, 35, was spotted driving a Peugeot 307 through the town on 11th April at 50mph in a 30mph zone. When police indicated for him to stop with blue lights, he accelerated away aggressively, sparking a high-speed pursuit.

Cardiff Crown Court heard on Wednesday how Peacock reached 80mph on the A4042 before increasing his speed further, overtaking vehicles at a dangerous 120mph. He eventually lost control near the Crow’s Nest pub and collided with a lamppost at 80mph.

The defendant managed to escape the wreckage and ran off but was quickly detained. A drugs test revealed he was positive for both cocaine and cannabis, though he refused to provide a blood sample due to cuts on his arms.

Peacock, of Clarence Place, Newport, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, drug driving and failing to provide a specimen. The court heard he has numerous previous driving convictions and failed to comply with a community order last year.

Defence solicitor Jac Brown said his client had been drinking earlier and fled from police hoping to keep his recently reacquired licence.

Judge Rhys Rowlands said the crash narrowly missed pedestrians, adding: “It almost certainly would have been a fatal or serious injury collision.”

Peacock was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment and disqualified from driving for three years and seven months. ⚖️