An Exeter man has been jailed for 27 months for a variety of driving and drug offences.
Cameron Trench-Butler, 20, of Exeter, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Monday 10 March after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs, handling stolen goods and dangerous driving.
During the sentencing hearing the court heard how between October and November 2024 Trench-Butler was involved in the supply of cannabis via Snapchat.
Then, on Thursday 7 November 2024, a burglary was committed in Gloucestershire whereby an Audi S3 Quattro was stolen.
On Tuesday 19 November an officer was on patrol in the Exwick area when his attention was drawn to the same black Audi. A check was carried out and it was revealed the vehicle was the same one reported stolen in Gloucestershire.
A forensic examination of the vehicle was carried out and produced two DNA hits to Trench-Butler.
Videos were found on Trench-Butler’s phone showing the vehicle and even Trench-Butler within the vehicle listening to music about being chased by the police whilst smoking cannabis.
The prosecution said that it was clear Trench-Butler knew the vehicle had been stolen.
The dangerous driving offence took place on Sunday 12 January 2025. Two officers were on patrol in Exeter and as they approached the roundabout at Cowley Bridge, they identified Trench-Butler, who was disqualified from driving, driving a BMW.
After seeing officers Trench-Butler sped away, overtaking vehicles on blind hills and corners.
The vehicle driven by Trench-Butler crossed double white lines along narrow country roads and performed other dangerous manoeuvres, resulting in him losing control and colliding with another vehicle on Barley Lane in Exeter.
Trench-Butler abandoned the vehicle and left the scene. The other vehicle was being driven by a member of the public with his pregnant wife and young son in the car.
Trench-Butler was arrested shortly after. The two adults suffered minor injuries.
DCI Vicky Goff said: “Cameron Trench-Butler’s actions on 12 January showed no regard for other road users and his driving resulted in a collision which must have been absolutely terrifying for the innocent family involved.
“This was one of a number of incidents whereby vehicles have been stolen during break-ins in the South West.
“Tackling such offending continues to be a force priority and we have carried out a number of arrests following similar crimes being reported as part of Op Hyphenate.”
To report a crime or information about a crime, use the online reporting tool on the Devon & Cornwall website, or call 101. If a crime is taking place, call 999.
Crime can also be reported completely anonymously. Visit the Crimestoppers website or call 0800 555 111 to report a crime with 100% anonymity.
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