A CANNABIS user who led police on a dangerous 20-minute chase through the busy streets of Newtown while over twice the legal drug driving limit has narrowly escaped prison.

Judge Nicola Jones, sitting at Mold Crown Court on Thursday, September 17, ordered young father Liam Shelley, 23, to serve a 16-month custodial sentence – suspended for 18 months. But she took the unusual step of reserving the case for herself, warning the defendant that if he came before her again she would send him down.

A chaotic scene was painted of the offence, with Shelley speeding through multiple red lights and 30mph zones during the chase – which occurred on February 19 this year, during the busy school holidays and a day of torrential rain in Newtown.

Shelley, of Marton Drive, Wellington, Shropshire, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drugs.

Prosecutor Simon Mintz said: “The incident took place at 12.35pm on the day in question, which was during half term.

“The weather was atrocious, torrential rain. Officers felt the Ford Fiesta the defendant was driving needed to be stopped.

“He pulled into a layby and as officers approached they could smell cannabis, but the defendant drove off, performing a wheel spin and then led them on a lengthy pursuit spanning 20 minutes.

“He was driving at speeds of 50mph in 30mph zones, reaching as high as 70mph, overtaking repeatedly, including once on the brow of a hill and on the wrong side of the road, as well as jumping three red lights.

“He constantly ignored warnings of the pursuing police vehicle which had lights and sirens flashing.

“He finally came to an estate in Newtown where speed bumps forced him to slow down. A passenger with him got out and ran off. His face was pale and his eyes narrow.”

Officers could smell cannabis and a test revealed there to be 4.6 microgrammes in his system – the legal limit is 2mcg.

Acting for Shelley, Ryan Rothwell said his client had a chronic addiction to cannabis but was capable of rehabilitation.

“This is clearly a very serious case of dangerous driving and the defendant knows the likely sentence, I’ll try to convince you to suspend what is an inevitable custodial sentence,” he said.

“He’s been addicted to cannabis since he was 15. The death of his mum in 2017 sent him into the comforting but deceiving arms of this drug.

“It’s played a significant role in this offence, it’s clear he’s never had any intervention in dealing with this addiction but he’s extremely motivated to begin – and he certainly needs it. It’s a wake up call for him.

“He shows realistic prospects of rehabilitation, he has been addressing his cannabis addiction since February and an immediate prison sentence would no doubt affect his progress.”

Mr Rothwell introduced a reference from Shelley’s employer, who is keeping his job open for him, adding that his young son – who “loves his father very much” – would be affected were Shelley to be incarcerated as he contributes £250 per month towards maintenance, and who he sees regularly.

Judge Jones said: “Due to your reference and motivation to kick your addiction I am just persuaded that you are capable of rehabilitation.

“If you’d have taken this to trial and been found guilty I would have imposed a sentence right at the top end – 24 months in prison.”

The custodial term comes with two requirements – Shelley must complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities and 300 hours unpaid work. He was also disqualified from driving for three years and will have to take an extended re-test. He will also pay £489 costs.

“I reserve this case for myself so if you reoffend I will send you to prison,” added Judge Jones.

“There is such a fine line between you going to prison today. The slightest slip-up and you are going straight in. Smoking cannabis is a criminal offence so if you smoke it and are arrested I will send you to prison.”