Ex-Cardiff City footballer Leon Jeanne hit more than 100mph as he sped away from police
Wednesday 17th July 2019
Leon Jeanne, 38, tried to push his way through a queue of traffic before jumping out of his car
A former Cardiff City player exceeded 100mph as he sped away from the police before swerving off a dual carriageway.
Leon Jeanne, who was once dubbed Wales’ most promising footballer, tried to force his way between two lines of traffic at a red light before jumping out of his car.
Cardiff Crown Court heard the incident happened on the A48 at around 12.30pm on June 29 last year. Prosecutor Laurence Jones said the dangerous driving started by Tesco in Western Avenue in Cardiff and covered 2.6 miles to the slip road into Llanedeyrn .
The court heard Jeanne, who was driving a Volkswagen Golf, undertook an unmarked police car as he was travelling east. Mr Jones said he was accelerating rapidly and changing lanes, adding: “The officer watched in disbelief.”
Jeanne was driving so fast as he passed the University Hospital of Wales that police could not make out his number plate. The officer described his driving as “aggressive” and estimated he was exceeding 100mph with other cars pulling over to get out of his way.
Prosecutors said it is thought the defendant then became aware he was being followed by the police and swerved across chevrons on to the slip road at the last minute to try and “shake them off”.
Mr Jones said traffic was queuing on the slip road but Jeanne tried to force his way between two vehicles, causing £2,500 worth of damage to a Renault Clio he shunted from behind.
He was caught on camera from a bin lorry lifting the Clio as he tried to push through the gap then jumping out of his car and trying to run away. In his police interview Jeanne denied speeding or undertaking.
The defendant said he thought he was being chased by someone he was in a “feud” with and drove off as he feared for his safety. Prosecutors said he had previous convictions including taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance.
Jeanne, 38, from Mount Pleasant Avenue in Llanrumney , admitted dangerous driving.
Owen Williams, defending, drew the judge’s attention to a character reference from Bridgend Street Football Club. He said his client was due to start a painting and decorating course and asked the judge to hold back from immediate custody.
Asked why Jeanne had not completed the requirements of a previous order Mr Williams said his client had been threatened while carrying out unpaid work. His offender manager said his unpaid work was paused while they investigated the allegations.
Mr Williams said: “His motivation [to comply] today is clear and real.”
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