Drug driver crashes into pregnant woman and son
An Exeter man has been jailed for 27 months for a variety of driving and drug offences
Cameron Trench-Butler, 20, of Hill Rise, Exeter was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Monday 10 March after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs, handling stolen goods and dangerous driving.
The dangerous driving offence took place on Sunday 12 January 2025.
Two officers were on patrol in Exeter and as they approached the roundabout at Cowley Bridge, they identified Trench-Butler, who was disqualified from driving, driving a BMW.
After seeing officers Trench-Butler sped away, overtaking vehicles on blind hills and corners.
The vehicle driven by Trench-Butler crossed double white lines along narrow country roads and performed other dangerous manoeuvres, resulting in him losing control and colliding with another vehicle on Barley Lane in Exeter.
Trench-Butler abandoned the vehicle and left the scene. The other vehicle was being driven by a member of the public with his pregnant wife and young son in the car.
Trench-Butler was arrested shortly after. The two adults suffered minor injuries.
DCI Vicky Goff said: “Cameron Trench-Butler’s actions on 12 January showed no regard for other road users and his driving resulted in a collision which must have been absolutely terrifying for the innocent family involved.
“This was one of a number of incidents whereby vehicles have been stolen during break-ins in the South West.
“Tackling such offending continues to be a force priority and we have carried out a number of arrests following similar crimes being reported as part of Op Hyphenate.”
During the sentencing hearing the court also heard how between October and November 2024 Trench-Butler was involved in the supply of cannabis via Snapchat.
There was also mention of a previous incident where Trench-Butler was found driving a stolen car.
Videos were found on Trench-Butler’s phone showing the vehicle and even Trench-Butler within the vehicle listening to music about being chased by the police whilst smoking cannabis.