A man locked up for his role in a dramatic police chase involving a stolen £35,000 motorhome has been told he is facing jail for drug supply crimes.
Rhys Wilkinson, 21, had been due for release from custody on licence this month after receiving an 18-month term of immediate imprisonment in January for offences of theft and dangerous driving. This was imposed after he admitted theft and dangerous driving charges.
The motorhome had been stolen from Portinscale, near Keswick. Police spotted and tried to stop the vehicle — driven by Wilkinson — in County Durham. But the motorhome was reversed and deliberately rammed one police patrol vehicle in what a prosecutor said was “no doubt” a bid to disable it.
A helicopter crew had assisted officers during the pursuit and tracker dogs were brought in before both Wilkinson and the other man were arrested.
But despite being due for release on licence from a young offenders’ institution in the coming days, Wilkinson will remain behind bars — for the next month at least — after he pleaded guilty to new crimes today.
At Carlisle Crown Court he admitted possessing crack cocaine and heroin, with intent to supply them to another. His drugs offending was uncovered on the afternoon of July 10 last year.
Judge Richard Archer adjourned the case and asked for probation service to prepare a background report which will assist the judge who presides over the sentencing hearing. This is due to take place at the crown court on November 3 and Wilkinson, of Coalfell Avenue, Carlisle, was remanded in custody in the meantime.
“These are serious matters and indeed you are still, for the next couple of days at least, serving a sentence of imprisonment,” Judge Archer told the defendant. Of the impending punishment for the drugs supply crimes, the judge added: “All sentencing options including — and most likely — a custodial sentence will be under consideration when you are sentenced.”
