WILTSHIRE police welcomed the jailing for three years of a Swindon drug dealer who led officers on a high-speed pursuit.

Billy Livingstone, 22, of Stratton Road, Swindon, pleaded guilty to aggravated taking of a vehicle without consent, driving while disqualified, affray, possession with intent to supply heroin, possession of cocaine, possession of criminal property (£4,175) and possession of cannabis.

Detective Inspector Angela Shipp, of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “Billy Livingstone has caused significant harm in the community through his criminality.

“His brazen behaviour in stopping to threaten two people while being pursued by police is reflective of his disregard for the law and the safety of innocent members of the public.

“The custodial sentence handed to Livingstone by the court is testament to the victims and witnesses of this case in assisting the police in this investigation.

“Members of our community should not be expected to tolerate despicable behaviour and mindless violence from individuals like Livingstone and it is clear the court agrees that people who cause harm, supplying drugs and offering violence are best placed in prison.

“I would like to thank the investigation team and the officer in the case for their diligence in pursing this conviction and under Wiltshire Police’s Project Optimise, the Serious and Organised Crime Unit will continue to pursue criminals like Livingstone and ensure they are brought to justice.”