A 23-year-old man who received a suspended prison sentence for selling class A drugs near a Newport nightclub has now been found guilty of dangerous driving.

Devonte Laidely escaped immediate incarceration earlier this year after being convicted of selling cocaine outside Legacy on Cambrian Road in the city centre.

In January, he received a 22-month sentence suspended for two years, with Judge Lucy Crowther stating: “I’m taking a chance on you.”

Only months later, the defendant violated the terms of his suspended sentence by dangerously operating a vehicle on the A467 in Risca on April 12.

Laidely, who held a learner’s permit, also admitted to operating a motor vehicle without insurance and without proper licensing.

The defendant entered guilty pleas for his current offenses at Newport Magistrates’ Court and is scheduled for sentencing on May 11.

District Judge Sophie Toms ordered him to remain in custody.

During his January sentencing for drug dealing near Legacy in Newport, the court was informed he was conducting sales in the early morning hours to a woman believed to be a customer.

Upon being approached, Laidely verbally abused officers before fleeing on foot.

They lost visual contact, and he discarded a bag containing cocaine before being apprehended by other officers in the vicinity.

The incident occurred on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

Upon arrest, authorities recovered an iPhone from Laidely containing communications related to drug activity, according to prosecutor Sali Harmes at Cardiff Crown Court.

“The defendant played a significant role in the supply of class A drugs,” she remarked.

Laidely, a father of two residing on Playford Crescent in Newport, pleaded guilty to involvement in cocaine distribution and obstructing a police officer in the performance of his duties.

The drug offenses occurred between August 10, 2025 and November 15, 2025.

He had one prior conviction encompassing four offenses related to drug possession and driving violations.

Defense attorney Charles Archer stated: “There is not a great deal of sophistication to this offending and he was dealing to fund his own habit.”

The court was told Laidely grew up without a paternal figure and developed a cocaine addiction at approximately 19 or 20 years of age.

“He recognises the impact of his offending on the community,” Mr Archer further noted.

The author of his pre-sentence report characterized the defendant as “immature.”

His barrister also disclosed that a position as a delivery driver awaited Laidely should he avoid imprisonment.