An Albanian national who entered the United Kingdom aboard a small vessel has been sentenced to imprisonment after police discovered concealed Class A drugs during a vehicle search.
The individual was observed operating a silver Mercedes E-Class vehicle in the Wood Farm area of Oxford on July 27.
The 31-year-old, who had no fixed residential address, drew police attention when he overtook a learner driver who was travelling at the permitted speed limit.
Leandra Smith, presenting the case for the prosecution, informed Oxford Crown Court on September 4 that officers in a patrol vehicle positioned themselves beside the defendant, who subsequently brought his car to a halt.
As an officer approached the passenger side window and confirmed the defendant was the sole occupant, he accelerated away from the scene.
A brief chase subsequently took place.
Officers observed the accused abandon his vehicle and attempt to scale a residential garden gate.
He was detained by officers and the gate sustained damage during the incident.
Following his apprehension, both the defendant and his vehicle were searched.
Officers discovered £760 in currency and a quantity of cannabis material within his possession.
A further search of the vehicle yielded 16 packages containing white powder, later identified as cocaine.
Enquiries also revealed the man was driving using an Albanian licence and lacked valid insurance cover.
During questioning, the defendant stated the cannabis was intended for his own consumption and that his flight from police stemmed from panic.
He acknowledged arriving in the country illegally.
The defendant received a two-year custodial sentence together with eight penalty points.
Orders were also imposed for the seizure and destruction of the currency, controlled substances and motor vehicle.