A 29-year-old man from Basingstoke, Hampshire, has been sentenced to more than three years in prison after leading police on a high-speed chase through the town. Rhys Millingham, of New Road, was sentenced on 27 February 2026 for driving dangerously and carrying cocaine that he planned to sell to others.
The chase happened on Friday, 23 January 2026, in the South Ham area after Hampshire& Isle of Wight Constabulary officers spotted a Volkswagen Passat linked to local drug sales. Millingham reached speeds of 70mph in a 40mph zone during the five-minute pursuit.
The driver eventually abandoned his car and tried to escape on foot but was caught by officers near Edgehill Close. He later admitted to the charges at Winchester Crown Court, resulting in a prison sentence of three years and four months.
Police investigator Michael Longmore said the arrest was part of an ongoing effort to disrupt drug networks in the community. Officers are continuing to use proactive patrols to help stop the harm and violence often linked to the illegal drug trade.
This latest conviction marks another step in the local campaign to remove drug dealers from the streets of the town. Authorities have highlighted that such arrests are essential for making the area safer for residents.
