Newport driver jailed for ramming police car in dangerous pursuit
Brian Butler, 58, sentenced after high-speed chase ended in arrest
Last updated 10th Aug 2026
A Newport man has been jailed for a series of driving offences after ramming a police vehicle during a pursuit.
The incident occurred at around 1.45am on Wednesday 1st July when Brian Butler, 58, from Radnor Road, Newport, who was disqualified from driving, accelerated in his black Nissan Juke after officers on patrol ordered him to stop.
Butler reached speeds of up to 75mph as he drove dangerously along Chepstow Road.
Police attempted to box him in on Clement Attlee Drive, but Butler rammed his way out of the cul-de-sac and continued to flee.
His vehicle was later found abandoned near Fenner Brockway Close.
Police Dog Rizzo discovered Butler hiding face down in a garden.
Appearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday 6th August, Butler faced charges of driving while disqualified, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and criminal damage.
PC Michael Sharman praised the team’s efforts and said:
"The footage we gathered was clear and overwhelming and proved the defendant had been driving in a dangerous manner; he is very fortunate that no-one was injured.
"Butler also tried his best to hide from our officers in a garden but he could not evade PD Rizzo meaning we could bring this suspect to justice.
"Butler had little option but to plead guilty to the charges he faced in court and I hope that he now has time to reflect on his actions.
"Butler should not have been behind the wheel and his poor decision-making on our roads could have led to devastating consequences.
"This is a reminder to everyone who gets behind the wheel – you must be properly insured, hold a valid driving licence, and are responsible for the safety of everyone around you or our roads policing officers will apprehend you and put you before the courts."
Butler received a 16-month jail sentence and is disqualified from driving for three years and two months.
He is required to take an extended test when reapplying for his licence.