Driver jailed for motorway chase hitting speeds over 100mph
Dangerous pursuit ends with arrest near Gloucester and multiple charges
Yuri Bernardo, a 22-year-old from Brook Drive, London, has been sentenced to 34 months in prison after leading police on a dangerous high-speed chase in Gloucester.
The incident began on the evening of 4th July when a Roads Policing Unit officer, suspecting Bernardo's vehicle on the A38 in Hardwicke due to its slow speed, attempted a routine stop.
Instead, Bernardo evaded, prompting a pursuit that put other drivers at risk as he ignored traffic signals and drove the wrong way around roundabouts, eventually crashing through a building site gate.
The pursuit was momentarily halted due to the unsafe terrain, but Bernardo was located shortly after on the M5, where officers resumed chase.
Bernardo exceeded speeds of 100mph, swerving through the motorway lanes and driving on the hard shoulder, posing severe risks to motorists before stopping at Strensham Services.
Upon arrest for dangerous driving and failing to stop, over 20 wraps of suspected cocaine were found in Bernardo's mouth, leading to further charges for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
Investigations revealed false registration details for Bernardo's vehicle, resulting in additional charges of perverting the course of justice.
He appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on 4th August, pleading guilty to the charges: possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, dangerous driving, forging vehicle registration documents, and possessing criminal property.
Bernardo was disqualified from driving for 34 months, required to pass an extended driving test post-ban, and drugs and cash seized were destroyed.
PC Ed McWalter from the Roads Policing Unit remarked:
"Bernardo endangered innocent road users and took significant risks that could have cost lives."
McWalter emphasised the potential deterrent effect of the case:
"I hope this court case will act as a deterrent to those who think they can drive dangerously or copy Bernardo's actions and get away with it."
Gloucestershire roads policing aims to reduce road-related deaths and injuries, maintaining safety for all road users in the county.