WATCH: Drug dealer jailed after 130mph police chase ends in crash leaving taxi driver seriously injured

A drug dealer who reached speeds of more than 130mph while fleeing police on the A1(M), before crashing into a taxi and seriously injuring its driver, has been jailed.

James Johnson, 31, from Salford, was driving a white Audi A3 northbound on the A1(M) on the afternoon of Friday (Aug 28) when police officers, acting on intelligence, signalled for him to stop.

Instead, Johnson accelerated away and began weaving between heavy traffic, reaching speeds of more than 130mph.

As he approached the exit at junction 44 onto the A659, near Tadcaster, his car crashed into a taxi.

The taxi driver suffered serious injuries, including broken bones.

Johnson was arrested, and a search of his vehicle uncovered 10kg of white powder, which was later confirmed to be cocaine.

He was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and driving without a licence or insurance.

Johnson pleaded guilty and appeared at York Crown Court on Friday (Oct 9), where he was sentenced to eight years in prison.

The court also ordered that his Audi be forfeited.

DC Will Robertson, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "Johnson showed a blatant disregard for other drivers on what was a very busy road. His car contained a large amount of cocaine, which would have spread further misery in our communities.

“And his dangerous driving resulted in serious injuries to a taxi driver, and destroyed his means of earning a living - his taxi. Johnson has now been made to face the consequences of his actions."