A 64-year-old man was caught driving a stolen car in Cardiff, where he collided into a police car after reaching speeds of 89mph in a 20mph zone. Ian Wakeham, the driver, was in the company of men much younger than him when the incident occurred. The court heard that Wakeham was driving an MG 3 Excite, which had been taken from an address in Rumney.
The pursuit began when Wakeham noticed the police presence and accelerated to 40mph in a 20mph zone. He continued to drive recklessly, reaching speeds of 60mph on the wrong side of the road on Whitchurch Road. The pursuit culminated in a collision between the MG and the police car. Even after the collision, Wakeham attempted to flee by driving into a Tesco car park before eventually stopping.
Wakeham, of Aberdaron Road, Trowbridge, initially denied taking the vehicle but later pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and taking a vehicle without consent. Despite having 21 previous convictions, with no driving offenses apart from drug driving, Wakeham’s defense lawyer argued that he should receive a sentence allowing for community support due to his low risk of reoffending.
In the sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court, Recorder John Philpotts handed Wakeham a 12-month suspended imprisonment for 18 months. Additionally, Wakeham was ordered to undergo a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and was disqualified from driving for 12 months. The court’s decision aimed to provide Wakeham with the necessary support to prevent further offences.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the consequences it can have not only on the perpetrator but also on others on the road. It highlights the importance of following traffic regulations and the potential risks involved in engaging in high-speed chases with law enforcement.