Ex-rugby player jailed for throwing drugs out of car during high-speed police chase
Ex-rugby player jailed for throwing drugs out of car during high-speed police chase
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A drug-dealing ex-rugby player threw his stash out of his car window as he tried to evade police during a 140mph motorway chase. Maredudd Francis, 31, only stopped after crashing his grey BMW into another car during the high-speed chase on the M56 in Cheshire.
![[Maredudd Francis was involved in a police chase on the M56. Release date ? January 28, 2025. A drug-dealing ex-rugby captain threw packets of drugs out of his car window as he tried to evade police at 140mph on a motorway. Maredudd Francis, 31, only stopped when he crashed his grey BMW into another car on the M56 in Cheshire. Francis, who captained Welsh rugby union team RGC in his playing days, was jailed today (Tues) for four years by Mold Crown Court. He previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis, and possessing criminal property.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_237675477-0450.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Francis, the former captain of Welsh rugby union team RGC, was jailed for four years today following a sentencing at Mold Crown Court. He had previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis, and possessing criminal property.
![[16.04.17 - Pontypridd v RGC 1404 - National Cup Final -Maredydd Francis of RGC and Mark Jones celebrate with the trophy.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_237704035-89b0.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
The court heard how a police officer tried to stop Francis as he began to leave the motorway at junction 11, near Warrington. But instead he sped off on the slip road to rejoin the M56, skipped a red traffic light and narrowly avoided a crash with a HGV, the court heard.
On the motorway he reached speeds of 139mph despite heavy traffic, and during the pursuit the officer noticed small white packages being thrown from the passenger side window of the car, the court heard. The chase ended when Francis crashed into another car, a Toyota Hilux, and a metal barrier at junction 10 for Stretton.
Following the crash, Francis exited the car and surrendered, kneeling down with his hands behind his back. As well as damaging the car, the two occupants of the Toyota were described as ‘walking wounded’. The attending officer noticed he had bloodshot eyes which appeared glazed over, and there was also a strong smell of cannabis, the court heard.
