A drug dealer has been jailed in Basingstoke for three years and four months after police discovered a bag of Class A drugs following a vehicle pursuit through the town in January.
Rhys Millingham, 29, of New Road, Basingstoke, was spotted by officers on proactive patrol on Friday 23 January driving a Volkswagen Passat linked to drugs supply in the area. When requested to stop, Millingham refused and fled at speeds of around 70mph in a 40mph zone.
Following a five-minute pursuit through the South Ham area, Millingham abandoned the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot before being arrested near Edgehill Close. A search at the scene uncovered a bag containing suspected Class A drugs.
Millingham was subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply a Class A controlled drug, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, and dangerous driving. He pleaded guilty to all offences and was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Friday 27 February.
Police Staff Investigator Michael Longmore, from the Northern Area Crime Team, said: “Rhys Millingham supplied Class A drugs in Basingstoke and drove dangerously in a bid to evade police. But thanks to a great proactive stop by our Roads Policing Unit, he was caught and arrested at the scene.
“Millingham will now spend a considerable time behind bars for dealing drugs and I hope this sentence highlights that our officers will do everything in their power to ensure Basingstoke is not targeted by drugs networks.
“We know that drug supply causes harm and misery to our communities and is linked to acquisitive crime, as well as some of the most serious violence we see. We are determined to keep relentlessly pursuing criminals to reduce the negative impact they have on the local community, making it safe for everyone.”
