A 23-year-old man was caught driving dangerously and under the influence of alcohol during a high-speed police pursuit in Cradley Heath. Rhys Attewell drove a white Volkswagen Caddy van at speeds reaching 75mph in a 30mph zone as he attempted to evade officers.
The incident occurred on Halesowen Road at approximately 9:45pm on May 28, when Attewell initially failed to stop for the police. During the chase, which lasted around 20 minutes, he was reported to have driven offside on multiple occasions and came close to colliding with other vehicles. The pursuit ended when police deployed stingers to halt the van.
Attewell, a self-employed heating engineer from Orchard Close, Rowley Regis, was found to have 87 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, which is more than twice the legal limit of 35 micrograms. He previously admitted to driving dangerously, driving over the prescribed alcohol limit, and driving without insurance.
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In court, it was revealed that alcohol misuse contributed to Attewell’s behaviour, alongside impulsivity and poor decision-making. He also has a history of drug issues and has been voluntarily engaging with treatment.
Magistrate Sheila Dawson described the offences as very serious, noting the potential for a much worse outcome given the nature of the driving through a built-up area while being pursued by police. She highlighted that the reported driving was “awful.”
Attewell was sentenced to 56 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. Additionally, he was fined £187 as a victim surcharge and £85 in court costs. He received an 18-month driving ban and must pass an extended driving test before regaining his licence.