A 21-year-old man from Blackwood has been handed a suspended sentence and a 15-month driving ban following a harrowing incident in which a police officer was dragged across a busy road in Bargoed during an attempted arrest. The scene, which unfolded in full view of passers-by and a nearby bus driver, has drawn sharp concerns about the risks officers and the public face when tackling reckless riding.
The episode took place on the 8th of April, when police officers patrolling Angel Way in Bargoed observed an individual performing wheelies and engaging in dangerous manoeuvres on a green Kawasaki motorcycle. The behaviour prompted immediate attention from local authorities, who tracked the rider until he stopped at a set of red traffic lights on Commercial Street.
Sergeant Tom Brookes, who was among the responding officers, exited the marked police vehicle to confront the motorcyclist. As Sgt Brookes approached and instructed the rider to stop, the latter suddenly accelerated, dragging Sgt Brookes across the street. The dramatic encounter ended only when both the officer and the rider landed on a grassy verge on the side of the road, narrowly avoiding a collision with a passing bus.
Reflecting on the incident, Sgt Brookes noted the dangers both he and the rider faced, stressing that, “Both the rider and I were extremely fortunate that the road wasn’t busier at the time.” His comments highlighted the fact that such reckless behaviour placed multiple lives at risk – not only that of the rider but also motorists, pedestrians, and officers attempting to intervene.
The case was brought before Newport Magistrates’ Court on the 29th of May, where details of the incident were laid out before the bench. The defendant, whose actions not only flouted multiple traffic laws but also directly endangered lives, was found to be driving without a valid licence and lacking insurance. Local reports confirm that he had been previously disqualified from driving.
In addition to the driving ban, the court ordered the individual to take an extended test before regaining his licence. His sentence, suspended rather than custodial, comes with the expectation that he complies with all legal requirements and stays out of further trouble. The Kawasaki motorcycle involved in the incident was also seized and subsequently crushed, serving as a clear message regarding the fate of vehicles used in illegal and dangerous riding.
Police across Caerphilly north continue to step up efforts to combat the rise in dangerous off-road and illegal riding. Sgt Brookes underscored their determination to crack down on such activity, stating, “Our neighbourhood team will not tolerate the illegal and dangerous use of off-road vehicles and continue to plan proactive operations to keep roads and rural areas safe.”
Members of the public are being urged by Gwent Police to report incidents of unlawful or hazardous driving. Reports can be made through their website, the non-emergency 101 phoneline, or via social media, providing reassurance that such behaviour will not go unaddressed and that community safety remains a top priority.
While the incident serves as a warning to those who might consider flouting traffic laws, it also highlights the very real risks police officers face in the line of duty. Law enforcement leaders have reinforced their commitment to safeguarding local roads and protecting both residents and officers alike from future harm.
The community at large has responded with concern but also gratitude for the quick thinking and bravery demonstrated by the officers at the scene. The hope is that decisive legal action and community vigilance will combine to make such dangerous incidents less frequent in the future.