CAERPHILLY'S CALUM YOUNG IN COURT FOR 'DISGRACEFUL' ACTIONS
A man who previously assaulted his partner, leaving her with a broken jaw, was brought back to court for what a judge called “disgraceful” conduct after he led authorities on a high-speed chase, including driving on flat tires caused by a police spike strip.In July of the previous year, Calum Young, formerly residing at Grays Gardens, Graig-Y-Rhacca, engaged in a dangerously fast pursuit with police while under the influence of cocaine and alcohol.
Young is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence, having been convicted in November 2022 for a violent attack on an ex-partner that left her with a broken jaw.
Judge Paul Hobson had previously sentenced Young for that assault but was unaware at the time of a serious driving offense committed four months earlier.
As a result, on May 12, Young was summoned back to court for additional sentencing.
‘Your conduct on July 18 was disgraceful’ One summer day in July, police officers on duty activated their blue lights to stop Young, who responded by engaging in a dangerous high-speed chase.
Upon seeing the police lights, Young accelerated to evade arrest.
The prosecution detailed that Young drove against the flow of traffic, entered roundabouts incorrectly, collided with oncoming vehicles, and ran red lights in an attempt to escape.
He sped past the Coopers Arms on Caerphilly Road, exceeding the 40mph speed limit by driving at 60mph.
Young's vehicle then hurtled toward oncoming traffic despite having flat tires after going over a police spike strip, yet he continued his frantic escape attempt.
Eventually, he stopped the car and made an effort to flee on foot.
When apprehended, he only managed to utter: “I am sorry, I could have killed someone.” Judge Hobson labeled Young’s actions as "disgraceful." “In November last year, I sentenced you to a 10-year extended prison term for causing grievous bodily harm to your partner in August,” Judge Hobson stated.
“Unbeknownst to the court at that time, you had also committed serious driving offenses in July.
Your conduct on that day was disgraceful.
“You drove dangerously while disqualified, intoxicated with alcohol and cocaine—levels well above the legal limit.” The 28-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving under the influence of alcohol, and driving under the influence of drugs during a hearing at Cardiff Magistrates Court on March 6, 2023.
He received a six-month prison sentence for dangerous driving, with two months each for the remaining three charges.
All sentences are to run concurrently with each other and alongside his existing 10-year term.
Having already served nine months in custody, Young’s eligibility for parole has been deferred by three months, and he has been banned from driving for seven years in total.