Drug Driver Jailed After High-Speed Cardiff Police Chase

A reckless driver who led police on a dangerous high-speed chase whilst under the influence of drugs has been sentenced to more than a year behind bars. 🚔

Louis Roberts, 30, of Leckwith Road in Llandough, pleaded guilty to a string of serious driving offences at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court in October. He was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday to one year and two months in prison and banned from driving for three years.

The dramatic incident unfolded on 11th April 2024 when officers on patrol between the M4 and A4232 spotted Roberts driving his silver VW Golf. Suspecting he was trying to avoid police, officers signalled for him to pull over – but Roberts sped off instead.

During the terrifying pursuit down the A4232 southbound, Roberts drove at speeds of up to 80mph in a 20mph zone and mounted pavements to evade capture. The chase ended on Michaelston Road when his car collided with several parked vehicles and another driver.

Roberts then fled on foot but was quickly caught and arrested. Roadside tests revealed he was over the legal limits for both cannabis and cocaine.

Roads policing officer Saunders said: “Louis Roberts showed complete disregard for the safety of other road users during the pursuit. Driving in such a manner can have disastrous consequences for individuals, families, and communities.

“I hope this sentence sends out a strong message, that it is never acceptable to drug drive and that we are always out there patrolling.”

Roberts was convicted of drug driving (cannabis and cocaine), driving without a licence, dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving without insurance, and using a fraudulent number plate.