A Swansea driver who reached eye-watering speeds of 110mph during a chaotic police pursuit has been handed a prison sentence after crashing and overturning another vehicle. The incident, which unfolded near a large crowd gathered for an illegal street racing event, prompted a stern response from the judiciary, with a clear warning issued to potential would-be offenders.
The incident occurred on the night of Sunday, 16 March, when South Wales Police responded to reports of so-called “car meets” in the Swansea and Neath areas. Officers located a VW Polo, driven by Kyron Farrell, in the Milland Road industrial estate area, where two vehicles were found poised side by side, apparently ready to race before an audience of around 100 onlookers.
As plainclothes police approached, Farrell – whose vehicle had been stationary at the time – hastily reversed up a slip-road on the A474 and then sped away. Officers in pursuit noted that during the chase on the A465 towards the Llandarcy M4 junction, Farrell’s vehicle reached speeds exceeding 100mph, posing a serious risk to other motorists and public safety.
According to court accounts, Farrell circled the Llandarcy roundabout multiple times before heading towards Jersey Marine, then abruptly doubled back to join the M4 eastbound. As the pursuit intensified, Farrell braked sharply on the slip-road, prompting the police vehicle to make contact with his car. In the ensuing chaos, the Polo collided with another car travelling on the motorway, causing it to flip onto its roof and skid for nearly 100 metres along the carriageway.
Three individuals quickly exited the Polo and fled the scene, while police attended to the occupants of the overturned vehicle. Emergency services treated those involved at the roadside and later took them to hospital. Fortunately, the injuries were limited to cuts and bruises, although the dramatic nature of the crash underscored the gravity of the situation.
A significant police operation followed, including deploying a canine unit. Farrell, 31, was eventually found hiding in dense undergrowth and was arrested. Subsequent roadside tests for drugs and alcohol both proved negative, and during police questioning Farrell opted to answer “no comment” throughout the interview.
The court heard that Farrell, previously of Croft Street, Dyfatty but now of Townhill Road, Mayhill, has an extensive criminal record – including convictions for dangerous driving, possession of drugs, attempted sexual assault, and involvement in a car theft ring that stole over £100,000 worth of vehicles. His barrister, Alycia Carpanini, argued he had “acted out of panic” and acknowledged the foolishness of his actions, stressing his acceptance of responsibility.
Judge Paul Thomas KC, sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, rejected the notion that Farrell’s recklessness was a brief lapse in judgment, stating, “I have no doubt your driving was not some ‘moment of stupidity’. I suspect you were doing it for kicks.” He went on to say that those participating in illegal street racing should expect immediate imprisonment and that such behaviour would not be tolerated by the courts.
Farrell pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving and was sentenced to 16 months in prison, with a third deducted for his guilty plea. He is expected to serve half behind bars before being released on licence. In addition, Farrell was disqualified from driving for three years, with the ban extended by eight months to reflect the duration of his incarceration.
With illegal street racing continuing to pose a danger on Welsh roads, the case serves as a reminder of the real-world consequences such actions can have for perpetrators and innocent road users alike. The judge’s comments underline a broader commitment from the courts to clamp down on irresponsible illegal racing and to prioritise public safety above all else.