6 days ago
Newport drug driver crashed into bus and truck carrying gas
Mckenzie Newberry, 20, from Newport was speeding in the Llantarnam area of Cwmbran in a white Volkswagen Golf that had been pinched in Neath.
He had been speeding at nearly 90mph in a 30mph zone before colliding with the bus carrying passengers and the truck at around 12.35pm on Thursday, April 17.
The defendant ran from the car and was chased by the truck driver and a police dog handler before being found hiding inside a pipe in woodland.
Newberry had two women passengers in the Golf and police found a 'very large zombie knife' on the driver's side of the car.
(Image: Mckenzie Newberry) Also inside the vehicle were two other false plates as well as cannabis, prosecutor Byron Broadstock told Cardiff Crown Court.
The defendant tested positive for cocaine and cannabis in his system.
He has never passed his driving test.
Newberry admitted aggravated vehicle taking, possession of an offensive weapon in public, driving whilst disqualified, drug driving, handling stolen goods, fraudulently using a registration mark, possession of cannabis, driving with no insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
He has a previous conviction for aggravated vehicle taking from 2020 when he was just 15.
Julia Cox representing him read out a letter he had written to Judge Daniel Williams in which he described his actions as 'selfish'.
Newberry added: 'I've been foolish and stupid – I know it's time to grow up.'
His barrister asked the court to take into account her client's young age and 'lack of maturity'.
The defendant has the offer of a plumbing apprenticeship, Miss Cox added.
Judge Williams told Newberry: 'You drove at grossly excessive speeds.
'The zombie knife was a huge and awful weapon.'
Newberry, of Maesglas Crescent, was sent to a young offender institution for 14 months and disqualified from driving for 12 months following his release from custody.
He will have to sit an extended driving test and pay a victim surcharge.
The court ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the zombie knife and drugs.
