Newport drug dealer jailed after Barry foot chase

A Newport man who led police on a dramatic foot chase through a Barry housing estate while armed with a crutch has been jailed for three years and eight months.

Rio Dinnall, 20, was spotted acting suspiciously by plain-clothed officers from the Organised Crime Unit in Clos Y Rheil Ffordd on Friday, June 20. When approached, he made off on foot and armed himself with a crutch during the chase before being detained.

Officers later retraced his steps and discovered small wraps of crack cocaine in a front garden. CCTV footage captured Dinnall discarding the drugs moments before his arrest. He was carrying class A drugs worth as much as £6,000.

Dinnall appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday, November 24, where he was sentenced after being charged with possessing crack cocaine with intent to supply.

Detective Inspector Tim Jones said: “Drug dealers live a life on the run looking over their shoulder. We know who they are and officers are out looking for them day and night.

“We will not tolerate drugs in our communities.

“We act upon the information provided to us by the public, so please keep it coming and continue to work with us.”