Drug dealer hit 55mph in 20mph zone during police chase

A convicted drug dealer reached speeds of 55mph in a 20mph zone whilst fleeing from police through Blackwood before his black BMW smashed into a garden wall. 🚔

Jack Cox, 31, triggered a high-speed pursuit when an officer in an unmarked vehicle spotted him speeding through the Fleur-de-Lys and Pontllanfraith areas at around 12.25am on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Rather than stopping when police activated their blue flashing lights, Cox accelerated away in his black BMW 1 Series. The three-minute chase – captured on police dashcam and shown to Cardiff Crown Court – ended when he crashed into a garden wall.

Cox abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot, but was quickly arrested by officers. A search revealed he was carrying six bags of cocaine. He subsequently refused to provide a breath specimen at the police station.

The court heard Cox has an extensive criminal history, with 24 previous convictions covering 46 offences. Most notably, he was jailed for 40 months in December 2021 for being concerned in the supply of cocaine and ketamine. He also has a previous drug driving conviction.

Defence barrister Alice Sykes told the court her client had suffered “adverse childhood experiences”. She added that Cox currently works for a roofing company, earning £400 per week.

Judge Christopher Felstead addressed the defendant directly, stating: “You have spent a lot of time bouncing in and out of court rooms.” His Honour noted it was fortunate no one had been seriously injured during the dangerous pursuit.

Cox, of no fixed abode in Blackwood, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, possession of a class A drug, and failing to provide a specimen.

He received a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He must complete 100 hours of unpaid work and a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement. Cox was banned from driving for three years and must pass an extended retest before getting behind the wheel again.

He was also ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge and £150 costs. The court directed that the seized drugs be forfeited and destroyed.