Teen Driver Had Dad Block Police During Newport Chase

A 19-year-old disqualified driver who led police on an 11-minute chase through Newport had his father stand in front of a police vehicle to slow officers down during the pursuit. 🚨

O’Shay Rhoden was spotted by officers driving a black Mercedes through Clifford Crescent on March 23 when police were looking for him regarding an unrelated matter. After making eye contact with officers, Rhoden reversed and fled the scene.

During the subsequent chase through Newport, including the Southern Distributor Road and Glan Llyn housing estate, Rhoden’s father attempted to obstruct police by standing in front of their vehicle while his son sped away.

Cardiff Crown Court heard Rhoden drove dangerously throughout the pursuit – travelling the wrong way around roundabouts, cutting across mini roundabouts, and reaching speeds of 60mph in 20mph zones. He also deliberately drove into a police vehicle, causing it to be written off.

After abandoning his Mercedes, Rhoden was located nearby and made threatening comments to officers upon arrest. When cautioned, he said: “I smoked you yesterday as well, that’s why you’re so angry. I’m a driver, that’s what I do.”

He added: “As I drove off, I spoke to my dad and told my dad to stop you or I’d drive head on. I told him to tell you to pull over as it would end badly.”

Rhoden, of Caerau Road, Newport, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, and driving without insurance. The court heard he has three previous convictions for 16 offences.

His defence cited his young age, ADHD diagnosis, learning disability and “high level of immaturity” in mitigation.

Recorder Christian Jowett sentenced Rhoden to 14 months detention at a young offenders institute and disqualified him from driving for 55 months. 🚔