A banned driver who rammed a police car twice and put pedestrians at risk during a pursuit near Abercwmboi has been jailed.
Jacob Roberts, 25, from Mountain Ash, was sentenced to one year and two months in prison following the incident, which took place in May 2026.
He was also disqualified from driving for three years.
Roberts was sentenced at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday, August 21, after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance, failing to stop after a road accident, criminal damage to property under £5,000 and possession of a controlled Class B drug, namely cannabis or cannabis resin.
The pursuit began after officers conducting routine patrols in Abercwmboi noticed a distinct smell of cannabis coming from a van.
When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, Roberts sped away.
During the pursuit, Roberts drove erratically and at excessive speed, failed to stop at multiple junctions and mounted pavements, putting pedestrians at risk.
He also reversed into the pursuing police car twice and collided with parked vehicles and a building.
The pursuit eventually ended when Roberts drove into a dead-end street. He abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee from officers on foot.
Following a foot pursuit, Roberts was stopped and arrested. During a search, officers found two cannabis cigarettes on him.
Constable Peter Kerswell said: “Roberts was already banned from driving when he committed these offences, he showed complete disregards for all other road users including pedestrians”
“I hope it acts as a deterrent for others who think of driving dangerously”
“It’s lucky that no one was seriously injured during this pursuit, we hope this sentence will give Robert’s time to reflect on his actions”
