Serial Disqualified Driver Rams Police Cars in Stolen Van

A disqualified driver with a shocking record of offences rammed police vehicles whilst attempting to avoid capture in a stolen van displaying false number plates, Swansea Crown Court heard. 🚔

Nathan Krishnan, 43, of Fitzhammon Embankment, Riverside, Cardiff, was behind the wheel of a Ford Transit van that had been stolen from outside an address in Swansea on January 20.

Nearly a month later on February 16, police spotted the van – now fitted with cloned number plates – on the westbound M4 motorway at Margam. Officers followed the vehicle to junction 48 where it left the motorway heading towards Llanelli, reaching speeds exceeding 60mph in 30mph and 40mph zones.

The prosecution told the court that the van stopped in a layby on the B4308 where two passengers exited – one was detained while the other fled and remains unidentified. When police attempted to block the Transit, Krishnan reversed into one police car before ramming another. After abandoning the van nearby, officers found Krishnan hiding underneath a parked car. 🚐

During questioning, Krishnan answered “no comment” to all questions and was observed laughing at officers.

Judge Paul Thomas KC noted that the defendant has “no regard” for road rules or the risks posed to others. He also remarked that “for some reason” the prosecution had chosen not to pursue a dangerous driving charge, which he described as the defendant’s “good fortune”.

Krishnan, who had previously pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance, has 40 previous convictions for 122 offences – including 20 previous instances of driving whilst disqualified.

His defence barrister, Julia Cox, acknowledged his “appalling record” for motoring offences and explained that Krishnan had become “institutionalised” and struggles to cope in the community. She added that he was undertaking the 12-Steps addiction programme in prison and wants to “sober himself up” to turn his life around.

With a one-third discount for his guilty pleas, Krishnan received an 18-month prison sentence. He will serve up to half in custody before being released on licence. Additionally, he received a 33-month driving ban and must pass an extended test before obtaining a licence – though the judge noted, “The chances of that happening are not high”.