Moment thug, 58, rams cop car in high-speed chase before police dog catches him cowering under garden hedge

A DANGEROUS driver rammed a police car during a high-speed chase before abandoning his Nissan and being sniffed out by a police dog hiding under a garden hedge. Brian Butler, 58, reached speeds of up to 75mph as he fled officers who had ordered him to stop in Newport, South Wales. Brian Butler, 58 Credit: SWNS Brian Butler rammed a police car during a chase and then sped away Credit: SWNS Shocking footage released by Gwent Police shows the moment Butler’s black Nissan Juke is boxed in by a patrol car after he drives into a cul-de-sac. But instead of giving up, the 58-year-old rams his way out of the trap and speeds off. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! His getaway came to an end when he abandoned the Nissan near Fenner Brockway Close. Butler then tried to evade officers by hiding face down beneath a hedge in a nearby garden. He was sniffed out by a police dog hiding under a garden hedge Credit: Gwent Police Dramatic moment thug is chased by police Credit: Gwent Police However, police dog Rizzo was soon on his trail and tracked him down. Butler, of Radnor Road, Newport, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, dangerous driving, driving without insurance and criminal damage. He was jailed for 16 months at Cardiff Crown Court on August 6. He was also banned from driving for three years and two months and will have to take an extended test before he can get his licence back. Most read in The Sun PC Michael Sharman, of Gwent Police, said: “The footage we gathered was clear and overwhelming and proved the defendant had been driving in a dangerous manner; he is very fortunate that no-one was injured. “Butler also tried his best to hide from our officers in a garden, but he could not evade PD Rizzo meaning we could bring this suspect to justice. “Butler had little option but to plead guilty to the charges he faced in court and I hope that he now has time to reflect on his actions. “Butler should not have been behind the wheel, and his poor decision-making on our roads could have led to devastating consequences. “This is a reminder to everyone who gets behind the wheel – you must be property insured, hold a valid driving licence, and are responsible for the safety of everyone around you or our roads policing officers will apprehend you and put you before the courts.”