A drink-driver has been banned from the road and fined after being found hiding in a garden in possession of cocaine and cannabis. Daniel Williams evaded police on foot and hid in a stranger's front garden to avoid arrest.
South Wales Police officers eventually found Williams crouched in a stranger's front garden in Cardiff. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Williams has admitted to five separate offences including possession of controlled drugs and driving when alcohol level is above the limit. He appeared before magistrates to face the charges.
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The court heard how the self-employed builder was spotted by police on Sunday, March 13, this year in Kenwood Road in the Ely area of Cardiff. He and one passenger were leaving a silver BMW which was parked in the street.
When asked by officers if he had a licence Williams ran off and was pursued by police on foot across local streets. After giving officers the slip he was found hiding in a front garden in nearby Foxglove Close.
Officers proceeded to search 36-year-old Williams. They located car keys for the silver BMW along with two types of drugs – 3.1g of cannabis, and 0.5g of cocaine. Williams admitted to driving while over the legal alcohol limit and without insurance. His license was also expired. The court heard how Williams appeared unsteady and slurred his words when questioned by officers.
He was arrested and taken into custody at Cardiff Bay Police Station. Williams was found to have a blood alcohol content of 61mg per 100ml of blood. The legal limit is 35mg.
Williams, of Gough Road, Ely, appeared in Cardiff Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, March 29 faced with five charges – driving when alcohol level above the limit, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, possession of a Class B drug, and possession of a Class A drug. He pleaded guilty to all counts. Williams, who spoke only to confirm his name, appeared remorseful to the offences, which have landed him with a significant fine and a driving ban.
The defendant's solicitor, Nathan Jones, told the court it was his client's first driving offence. He asked the magistrates to take into account Williams' guilty pleas when considering a sentence.
Williams was fined £700 for the five offences and was issued with an 18-month driving ban. He must also pay a £70 surcharge. The drugs are to be destroyed.
