7 days ago
Drug-driver hit truck carrying gas canisters and bus with passengers
Drug-driver hit truck carrying gas canisters and bus with passengers
McKenzie Newberry, 20, was being chased by police in a stolen car with false number plates and was found in possession of a zombie-style machete
McKenzie Newberry
(Image: Gwent Police)
A driver under the influence of cocaine collided into a bus and a truck containing gas canisters while being chased by police. When officers searched the car they discovered it was stolen and had false plates and there was a zombie-style machete knife with a 50cm-long blade.
McKenzie Newberry, 20, was seen driving a stolen white Volkswagen Golf in the Llantarnam area of Cwmbran on April 17 at excessive speed. He was pursued by a police officer who attempted to stop the defendant but Newberry made no attempt to slow down.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court heard he overtook other road users and forced them to take evasive action. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter.
He reached speeds of 80mph in a 30mph zone and increased his speed to the point the pursuing officer reached speeds of 88mph in order to keep him in sight.
The officer turned the corner and saw the Golf had hit a truck carrying gas canisters and a bus that was carrying passengers.
A man alighted from the truck and chased after Newberry who had ditched the Golf and was running off.
A police dog was deployed and the defendant was found hiding in a pipe in a wooded area.
The Golf was searched and was found to be using false number plates. It was also found to be a stolen vehicle having been taken from an address in Neath.
Inside the Golf was a zombie-style machete with a 50cm blade.
He was also tested for drugs and was found to be under the influence of cocaine.
Newberry, of Maesglas Crescent, Newport, later pleaded guilty to drug driving, aggravated vehicle-taking, driving while disqualified, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of cloned number plates, and driving without a licence and insurance.
The court heard he has one previous conviction for similar matters.
In mitigation Julia Cox said her client had been remanded in custody since April and wrote a letter to the court apologising for his behaviour and said he "realised his actions had affected other people".
Judge Daniel Williams sentenced Newberry to 14 months imprisonment.
The defendant was also disqualified from driving for 12 months following his release from prison.
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