.jpg)
Taxi driver seriously injured and vehicle destroyed in 130mph crash as cocaine dealer jailed for eight years
A drug dealer whose dangerous driving left a taxi driver seriously injured and destroyed his vehicle has been sentenced to eight years in prison following a high-speed collision on the A1(M) in North Yorkshire.
James Johnson, 31, from Salford, was sentenced at York Crown Court on Friday 9 October 2026 after pleading guilty to offences arising from the incident.
North Yorkshire Police said Johnson had been driving a white Audi A3 northbound on the A1(M) on 28 August when officers attempted to stop him.
Rather than comply, Johnson accelerated away from police, weaving through heavy traffic and reaching speeds exceeding 130mph.
The pursuit ended near junction 44 of the A1(M), close to the A659 at Tadcaster, when Johnson’s vehicle collided with a taxi.
The taxi driver sustained serious injuries, including broken bones. Police confirmed that the collision also destroyed the driver’s taxi, depriving him of the vehicle he used to earn a living.
Following the collision, officers arrested Johnson and searched his vehicle. They discovered 10kg of white powder, subsequently confirmed to be cocaine.
Johnson faced charges relating to possession with intent to supply drugs, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance.
He pleaded guilty before being sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment at York Crown Court on 9 October. The court also ordered the forfeiture of his Audi A3.
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."
