A MAN who intentionally sought out police cars before speeding at 90mph in a 30mph zone and driving toward oncoming traffic has been jailed.

Louis Maxwell, who was also tailed by a helicopter during the high-speed pursuit, told police in interview he engaged them for an adrenaline rush.

The 30-year-old pleaded guilty to three motoring offences, and breaching a suspended sentence, at Newport Crown Court.

Prosecuting, Nuhu Gobir said that Maxwell, of no fixed abode, was spotted driving a Volkswagen Polo in Lighthouse Road, Duffryn, before the incident on February 23.

“He was driving at 90mph in a 30mph area, taking a three lane roundabout the wrong way and driving against oncoming traffic,” he said.

“He narrowly missed a cyclist when the roads were wet, as it was raining lightly.

Mr Gobir added the chase came to an end in Pill, when Maxwell was found hiding in a garden in Robert Place.

The court heard how after his arrest Maxwell told the officers that he sought out police cars so that he could engage in chases with them.

“In Pill, he drove across fields and footpaths before he got out of the car and hid,” added Mr Gobir, who also said Maxwell thought he was a good driver who was only caught because of the helicopter.

South Wales Argus: Louis Maxwell told officers after his arrest that he was a good driver, despite going three times the speed limit during the chase around Duffryn and Pill

Louis Maxwell, 30, of no fixed abode

Defending, Sarah Toms told the court that the defendant was remorseful, and wanted to turn himself around after he started using drugs.

“He has lost everything,” said Miss Toms. “He will go back into work and will be a useful member of society.”

Recorder Peter Rouch QC said to Maxwell: “You said you were driving excellently for some bizarre reason and you were looking for a police pursuit.

“For someone aged 30, your actions were extremely juvenile.”

Maxwell was handed a one year and three month sentence for a charge of dangerous driving, and four month sentence for driving while disqualified. They will run concurrently.

He also received six months for breaching a suspended sentence. This will run consecutively.

He was also disqualified from driving for three years, and 10-and-a-half months.

Mr Rouch also handed down a victim surcharge of £140.

PC Jack Purcell from Gwent Police said: “The footage demonstrates Maxwell’s absolute disregard for other road users, members of the public and the police.  

“Driving at over three times the speed limit, the wrong way around roundabouts and towards oncoming traffic on a dual carriageway is totally unacceptable. 

“The sentence handed to Maxwell is a reflection of just how dangerous the driving was and credit must go to all of the officers involved in the pursuit and the investigation team to bring Louis to justice.”