Maredudd Francis, a 31-year-old former captain of the Welsh rugby union team RGC, has been sentenced to four years in prison for a series of offenses stemming from a high-speed police chase on the M56 motorway in Cheshire, England. The chase, which reached speeds of 139mph, began when Francis attempted to evade a police officer who signaled him to stop. During the pursuit, Francis discarded packages of drugs from his car window before ultimately crashing into another vehicle and a metal barrier. The occupants of the other vehicle sustained injuries, described as “walking wounded.” Upon his arrest, Francis exhibited signs of drug use and a search of his vehicle revealed drug packages, £2,500 in cash, and multiple mobile phones. This incident marked a significant downturn for the former rugby player, whose promising athletic career was overshadowed by his involvement in drug dealing and previous convictions for violent offenses.
The subsequent investigation revealed the full extent of Francis’s criminal activities. A search of his flat in Wrexham, North Wales, uncovered a substantial quantity of cocaine, estimated to be the remnants of a 1kg block, with a street value of up to £30,000. Police also found a significant amount of cannabis, along with a Rolex watch, designer items suspected to be purchased with illicit funds, and cash totaling over £18,000 when combined with the money found in his car. Furthermore, officers discovered materials used to adulterate cocaine, indicating Francis’s involvement in preparing the drug for distribution. These findings painted a picture of a sophisticated drug operation, with Francis playing a key role in the supply chain. The discovery solidified the seriousness of his crimes, moving beyond reckless driving and possession to intent to supply, highlighting the dangers he posed to the community.
Francis’s criminal history further aggravated the situation. His prior record included a 21-month prison sentence in 2020 for assaulting a police officer, leaving the officer unconscious after a brutal attack involving punches, kicks, and a rugby tackle. This previous conviction demonstrated a pattern of violent behavior and disregard for law enforcement, adding another layer of concern to his current offenses. The court viewed this history as a significant factor in determining the appropriate sentence, reflecting the severity of his repeated transgressions against the law. The combination of drug dealing and violent tendencies painted a concerning picture, emphasizing the need for a custodial sentence to protect the public.
During the sentencing hearing at Mold Crown Court, Francis pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis, and possessing criminal property. His defense attorney, Philip Tully, acknowledged the inevitability of a prison sentence, emphasizing Francis’s acceptance of responsibility and remorse for his actions. While the defense sought to mitigate the sentence by highlighting Francis’s remorse, the gravity of the offenses and his prior convictions limited the impact of such arguments. Judge Niclas Parry, before delivering the sentence, underscored the detrimental effects of drug trafficking on communities, highlighting the harm caused not only to individuals but also to families and businesses impacted by drug-related crime. He categorized Francis as a “serious player” in the drug trade, emphasizing the significant quantity of drugs and cash seized as evidence of his prominent role in the distribution network.
Judge Parry also condemned the dangerous driving, highlighting the risks Francis posed to other road users during the high-speed chase. He sentenced Francis to four years in prison and imposed a two-year driving ban upon his release, requiring him to pass an extended driving test before regaining his license. The sentence reflected the seriousness of the combined offenses, emphasizing the need to protect the public from both Francis’s drug dealing activities and his reckless driving. The judge’s comments and the imposed sentence served as a clear message about the consequences of such criminal behavior, highlighting the court’s commitment to holding offenders accountable and deterring future criminal activity.
In addition to the prison sentence and driving ban, Francis will also face a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing later in the year. This hearing will aim to confiscate any assets obtained through his criminal activities, ensuring that he does not profit from his illegal endeavors. This further action underscores the comprehensive approach taken by the authorities to address the multifaceted nature of Francis’s crimes, aiming to disrupt the financial incentives that often drive drug trafficking and other criminal enterprises. The case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of drug involvement and the commitment of law enforcement to pursue and prosecute those who engage in such activities, protecting communities from the harm caused by drug trafficking and related crimes.
