A cocaine dealer who crashed into a lorry during a dramatic police chase in Rugby has been jailed for seven years over a drugs haul estimated to be worth more than £200,000 on the streets.
Police Pursuit Ends in Crash
Warwickshire Police reported that officers attempted to pull over Jobe Larrassey, aged 33, while he was driving in Rugby. This action followed intelligence reports suggesting he was actively involved in supplying drugs within the local area. However, Larrassey refused to comply with the police request to stop.
Instead, he accelerated away, speeding along Leicester Road in a desperate attempt to evade capture. The pursuit came to a sudden and dangerous conclusion when Larrassey's vehicle collided with a lorry. Despite attempting to flee the scene on foot, he was swiftly apprehended and arrested by the pursuing officers.
Substantial Drugs Discovery
Upon searching Larrassey's car, police made a significant discovery. Concealed within the vehicle's boot was approximately 2 kilograms of cocaine. Further investigations led officers to conduct a search of his home address, where additional quantities of cocaine and a large stash of cannabis were uncovered.
The combined seizure from both locations had an estimated street value exceeding £200,000, marking it as a major confiscation for the force. Larrassey was subsequently charged with multiple offences, including possession with intent to supply both Class A (cocaine) and Class B (cannabis) drugs, as well as a charge of dangerous driving.
Court Sentencing and Police Statement
Appearing at Warwick Crown Court on Friday, January 16, Larrassey admitted to all charges brought against him. The court handed down a total prison sentence of seven years. This comprised a six-year term for the possession of cocaine with intent to supply and an additional one-year sentence for the dangerous driving offence, to be served consecutively.
For the cannabis possession charge, he received a four-month sentence, which will run concurrently with the other terms. Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Matt Rapkins of Warwickshire Police commented on the case.
"This was a major seizure and a dangerous offender is now behind bars," DC Rapkins stated. "Larrassey's actions were reckless, but our officers acted decisively to prevent those drugs from reaching our communities. The sentence reflects the seriousness of what he did, and I hope it makes others think twice."
Reporting Drug-Related Activity
Members of the public who have information or concerns regarding drug dealing or drug-related activities in their local area are encouraged to come forward. Reports can be made directly to Warwickshire Police through their official channels.
Alternatively, for those wishing to provide information anonymously, the independent charity Crimestoppers offers a confidential service. They can be contacted on 0800 555 111, ensuring that individuals can share crucial details without revealing their identity.
