A 22-year-old Bettws man has been sentenced to three years in prison after leading police on a high-speed chase through Newport.

Nathan Howells, of Welland Crescent, was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop for police, dangerous driving, and assaulting a police officer.

Howells was also arrested on possession with intent to supply controlled drugs, after police found cannabis and cocaine in the vehicle.

He will also be disqualified from driving for three years and will have to sit an extended driving test.

South Wales Argus: GUILTY: Nathan Howells

On September 16 2015, Howells' black Volkswagen Golf pulled in front of PCs Sean Meyrick and Rhion Weston on Cromwell Road.

The driver pulled his black Volkswagen Golf in front of PCs Sean Meyrick and Rhion Weston on Cromwell Road.

Upon noticing the police behind him, the driver began to speed up, leading the police on a dangerous pursuit through residential areas.

Howells then attempted to escape on foot but the two officers quickly caught up with him.

Upon his apprehension, the officers searched his vehicle and found £45 in cash as well as cannabis and cocaine with estimated street values of £240 and £850 respectively.

Howells was formally charged on March 2 and appeared in Newport Crown Court on May 12.

He pleaded guilty to the offences due to the evidence presented, including video footage of the chase from the police car camera.

PC Meyrick said: “The manner of driving displayed by this individual was outrageous. Many of the roads he was travelling along are in built up residential areas, with a 30mph limit.

"His total disregard for other road users and pedestrians was astonishing. We take a zero tolerance approach to anyone openly flouting the law in this way.”