Mountain Ash man jailed following police pursuit

The pursuit took place on roads near Abercwmboi during May 2026.

Jacob Roberts, 25 from Mountain Ash was jailed for one year and two months in prison following his conviction. He was also disqualified from driving for three years. 

Roberts was sentenced at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday August 21 where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance, failure to stop after a road accident, criminal damage to property (Under £5,000) and possession of controlled class B drugs (Cannabis/ Cannabis resin)

This follows officers conducting routine patrols in Abercwmboi when they noticed a distinct cannabis smell coming from a van, when they tried to pull the van over Roberts sped off.

Roberts drove in an erratic manner, travelling at excess speed, failing to stop at multiple junctions, mounting pavements, and putting pedestrians at risk. Roberts also reverse rammed the pursuing police car twice. He is also collided with parked cars and a building during the pursuit.

Roberts eventually drove into a dead-end street, ditched the car, and tried to flee from officers, following a foot pursuit Roberts was stopped and arrested. During a search officers found two cannabis cigarettes on Roberts.

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”