A MAN has been jailed for nine months after reaching speeds of 100 miles per hour in a high-speed police pursuit on the Heads of the Valleys Road.

Jonathan James, 31, of Heol Rhos Las in Merthyr Tydfil, had previously pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving and driving without insurance, relating to the incident on February 26 this year.

Newport Crown Court heard yesterday how James, who appeared via video link from HM Prison in Cardiff, was driving a blue Ford Focus in damp conditions on the A465 between Gilwern and Abergavenny that morning.

He had been drinking the previous night and a police officer, in an unmarked police car, followed him after noticing “the nature of his driving” at around 9.45am.

Police footage of the pursuit was played at court, and recorded James reaching speeds of 100 miles per hour on the A465 and 115 miles per hour on the A40.

The court heard how at the Hardwick Roundabout, at the mouth of the A40, James went around the roundabout twice – realising he was followed.

It was at this point that the police officer put his lights and sirens on. A 15-minute high-speed pursuit ensued, with James even reversing into the unmarked police car at one stage.

Having turned into a B road in Raglan, James then attempted to overtake a vehicle but lost control and crashed into a nearby lay-by.

He was immediately arrested at the scene and told the officer that he would have “smoked” him “in any other car”.

The court heard how James had 14 previous convictions for 32 offences, including dangerous driving, taking a vehicle without consent, and driving whilst disqualified.

David Webster, defending, said James had made a “determined effort” to put his early record behind him but had found “solace in drink and drugs” and “fell into old habits”.

Summing up, and taking into account James’ early guilty plea, Judge Philip Richards said: “It was profoundly stupid of you to drive at all that day when you had a substantial amount of drink from the previous night.

“You exposed the police officers, yourself, and others to danger.

“I hope that you manage to change your lifestyle as otherwise, you might end up killing yourself or someone else.”

Judge Richards ordered James to pay a victim surcharge of £100 within six months of his release from custody. He has also been disqualified from driving for two years and he will have to pass an extended driving test.