A man with previous drug convictions has admitted to dangerous driving after leading officers on a pursuit through Newport with assistance from an aerial support unit.

Taylor Baldwin, 29, fled in his Cupra car as police were placing him in handcuffs on Caerleon Road at approximately 3.40pm on Monday, July 27.

He had been intercepted following observations by a National Police Air Service aircraft of suspicious behaviour on the city’s Beaufort Road.

The plane tracked the car into the Old Barn Estate where it eventually stopped on Buttermere Way.

A Gwent Police representative explained that during an operation aimed at addressing anti-social behaviour in Newport, officers working with an NPAS aircraft identified suspicious activity on Beaufort Road at around 3.40pm on Monday, July 27. Officers halted a vehicle carrying two men on Caerleon Road, securing the driver and attaching a handcuff to his wrist. While officers were speaking to him, the car suddenly drove away. With aerial surveillance from NPAS, the vehicle continued into the Old Barn Estate where it eventually stopped on Buttermere Way. Both occupants exited the car.

NPAS issued a statement confirming their involvement. At 1401 hours on Monday 27 July 2026, an NPAS aircraft crew was sent to the Newport area to assist Gwent Police with an active policing operation. Total flight time for the task was four hours.

Baldwin was taken into custody and faced charges of dangerous driving and obstructing a police officer in the course of their duty.

The defendant, residing on Arthur Bliss Road in Newport, entered guilty pleas to both charges at Cardiff Crown Court.

It was disclosed during proceedings that Baldwin carried out these offences while serving a suspended prison sentence.

In February, he received a 12-month prison term suspended for 18 months after admitting involvement in cannabis supply and possession of criminal assets totalling £2,800 in cash.

At Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, Baldwin was directed to complete 180 hours of community service and fulfill a five-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was allowed conditional bail after acknowledging his most recent offences and is scheduled for sentencing on September 30.

Alice Sykes acted as his representative while Tim Lewis represented the Crown prosecution.

The case was heard by the Recorder of Cardiff, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke.