Driver high on drugs smashed into a lamppost in 120mph police chase

Wales Online

2 days ago

Driver high on drugs smashed into a lamppost in 120mph police chase
Craig Peacock, 35, narrowly missed a group of pedestrians when he crashed into the lamppost at 80mph
Craig Peacock, 35, reached speeds of 120mph during a police chase before crashing into a lamppost
(Image: Gwent Police )
A driver under the influence of drugs reached speeds of 120mph during a police chase before crashing into a lamppost, narrowly missing a group of pedestrians. He said he drove away from officers as he had only recently been giving his driving licence back.
Craig Peacock, 35, was seen driving a Peugeot 307 through Cwmbran on April 11 at speeds of 50mph in a 30mph zone. A police vehicle indicated its blue lights for the defendant to stop but he accelerated away aggressively and a pursuit began.
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A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday heard Peacock made his way on the A4042 at 80mph. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter.
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He increased his speeds and overtook vehicles at 120mph.
Eventually Peacock lost control of the car near the Crow's Nest pub and collided into a lamppost at 80mph.
The defendant managed to escape from the wreckage and ran off but he was detained.
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A drugs wipe was carried out and Peacock tested positive for both cocaine and cannabis.
Prosecutor Ben Jones said the defendant was taken to the Grange University Hospital and was later charged with cuts to his arms.
At the police station, he provided a breath sample and tested negative for alcohol.
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But he refused to provide a blood sample to check for drugs, due to the cuts on his arms.
Peacock, of Clarence Place, Newport, later pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, drug driving and failing to provide a specimen.
The court heard he has numerous previous convictions for driving offences, and last year he failed to comply with a community order imposed following a conviction for drug driving.
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In mitigation, Jac Brown conceded his client had been drinking earlier in the day.
He said the defendant had fled from police as he hoped to evade officers in order to keep his licence, which he had recently reacquired.
Sentencing, Judge Rhys Rowlands said the defendant had narrowly missed a group of pedestrians when he crashed the car. He added: "It almost certainly would have been a fatal or serious injury collision."
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Peacock was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment and was disqualified from driving for three years and seven months.