A Plumstead drug dealer who led police on a reckless high-speed moped chase, almost knocking down a small child, has been jailed.

Zakariya Taibi, 21, of Wickham Lane, who had only just been released from prison for similar offences, pleaded guilty to supplying class A and class B drugs, possession of criminal property and dangerous driving after at Woolwich Crown Court on July 27.

He received a sentence of four years and two months’ imprisonment and a 49-month driving disqualification, which will cover the time he is released on licence.

Officers were patrolling Shooters Hill Road, Charlton, on Sunday, June 27, when their attention was drawn to a moped driving erratically towards Woolwich.

News Shopper: Woolwich Crown CourtWoolwich Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

A pursuit ensued after the moped failed to stop, driving at excessive speeds of at least 50-60mph in a 30mph road over speed bumps and overtaking on the wrong side of the road.

Becoming increasingly reckless, Taibi drove through a red light at roughly 40mph on very busy crossroad junction at Woolwich Common.

The pursuit continued into Plumstead with Taibi repeatedly overtaking and undertaking vehicles and skipping red lights.

He almost hit a small child crossing Lakedale Road, who was luckily pulled away by an adult at the last second.

As officers approached the top of the same street Taibi appeared to discard items.

He then drove into a dead end and dismounted, removing his helmet and escaping on foot.

He was chased into a woodland and detained by officers, who found nothing on him other than personal belongings, arresting him for driving offences.

Upon searching the moped, two iPhones were located, one of which contained messages relevant to the supply of class A and B drugs

Taibi was then further arrested for being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs.

Officers searched his home address and seized £1,820 in cash on top of a cupboard in his bedroom.

A bag that Taibi had been seen wearing during the pursuit, but was discarded during the foot chase, was never found.

Taibi was subsequently charged with being concerned in the supply of class A and class B drugs, possession of criminal property and dangerous driving.

The court granted the confiscation of the cash found in Taibi’s bedroom, which will be invested in policing.

PC David Paine, from the South East Violence Suppression Unit, said: “Drug supply and violence are interlinked and the supply of drugs harms our communities in various ways, causing misery to addicts and their families.

"I am pleased with the robust sentence, which should act as a deterrent for those considering involving themselves in this type of crime.

"Drug dealing is a gamble where you often lose more than you win. In this case, Taibi will be spending more than two years in prison before being considered for release on licence.”

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