Jaylin Foley (Image: Gwent Police)
Last Updated: 3 minutes ago
A 19-year-old involved in crack cocaine supply has been sentenced to nearly four years in a young offender institution following a dangerous pursuit through Newport during which he struck a car carrying a teenage learner driver.
Jaylin Foley, of Monnow Way in Bettws, admitted dangerous driving, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, possession of criminal property, and driving without a licence or insurance at Cardiff Crown Court.
A second defendant, Joshua Watkins, 20, of Crouch Close in Newport, was spared jail for his role in the drug operation.
The drug operation
Officers uncovered a significant crack cocaine supply chain linked to the pair. In total, 66 grams of the Class A drug were seized from Foley’s home – with an estimated street value of around £4,000 – along with £180 in cash. Further grip seal bags were also recovered in and around the Kia Niro that Foley had been driving.
The vehicle had been lent to Foley by a man described as “vulnerable”, so the defendant could run errands on his behalf. Foley held no driving licence and had no insurance for the car.
Watkins was found carrying £875 in cash when arrested, and his phone contained numerous “text bombs” – bulk messages advertising crack cocaine for sale.
The pursuit
On March 8, Gwent Police officers attempted to stop the Kia Niro outside Morrisons shortly before 8am. Rather than complying, Foley reversed into the police before speeding away.
The chase saw Foley reach speeds of 90mph in 30mph zones, drive on the wrong side of the road towards oncoming traffic, run through red lights, and travel the wrong way around a roundabout. Officers were ultimately forced to abandon the pursuit because of the danger it posed to the public.
The learner driver
While driving on the wrong side of Corporation Road during the pursuit, Foley’s car struck a vehicle being driven by a 17-year-old who was on a driving lesson. The teenager was described as “totally petrified” by the collision, and their car was damaged. Despite the impact, Foley did not stop.
The arrests
Shortly after the pursuit ended, a member of the public found five bags of crack cocaine near where the chase had concluded and handed them in at the police station.
Foley was later arrested at his home, where Watkins was also present. As officers arrived, Watkins attempted to run and threw a mobile phone over a neighbour’s fence before being detained.
What was said in court
Foley had no previous convictions. His barrister, Darren Bishop, conceded there was “very little mitigation that can be provided” but told the court the defendant accepted he had been “extremely dumb”. Having recently become a father, Foley acknowledged the need to change his lifestyle.
Watkins had two prior convictions comprising six offences – all connected to supplying Class A drugs. Kevin Seal, representing Watkins, spoke of a “chequered adolescent history” regarding his family background and said the defendant displayed signs of immaturity but had “worked hard since he’s been in custody” and blamed nobody but himself.
Sentencing
Both defendants admitted being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and possession of criminal property.
Judge Christopher Felstead sentenced Foley to three years and 10 months in a young offender institution and imposed a three-year driving ban.
Watkins received two years and three months, suspended for two and a half years. He must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
