Drug dealer caught after 130mph chase jailed

A drug dealer who caused serious injuries to a taxi driver after crashing into his vehicle during a high-speed police chase has been jailed.

James Johnson reached speeds of more than 130mph weaving through traffic as he tried to evade officers on the A1(M) northbound on 28 August.

The 31-year-old was caught after crashing into a taxi near the junction 44 exit for Tadcaster, with 10kg of cocaine found in his Audi A3.

Johnson, of Harding Court in Liverpool, was jailed for eight years at York Crown Court on Friday, having previously pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance.

Det Con Will Robertson from North Yorkshire Police said Johnson showed "a blatant disregard for other drivers on what was a very busy road".

The taxi driver suffered broken bones and was unable to work after the crash, according to North Yorkshire Police.

Johnson was also banned from driving for six years, with a destruction order made for the drugs in his possession.

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