Police chase footage shows the moment a “stupid” disqualified driver was caught pulling wheelies and weaving through Newport city centre traffic before throwing his vehicle into the River Usk.

Owen Pendree, 32, from Newport, was seen driving dangerously on Corporation Road on 30 June before a stinger was used to bring him to a stop.

He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and using a motor vehicle without insurance at Newport Magistrates’ Court.

Pendree was sentenced to 12 months in prison and has been disqualified from driving for three-and-a-half years.

Gwent Police said they were supported by the National Police Air Service, with a “short pursuit” leading to his arrest near Clarence Place.

Helicopter footage shows Pendree racing through the traffic doing wheelies on what the force described as a Sur-Ron “e-bike” as he drives down the middle of the road.

In the footage, officers can be heard calling the defendant’s actions “stupid”.

The top speed of Sur-Ron vehicles ranges from 30mph to 68 mph (109km/h), according to the MotoEbikes, external website.

Pendree can then be seen pulling over to the side of the road, grabbing the vehicle and throwing it off Newport Town Bridge before being arrested by officers.

PC Nathan Ford, from Gwent Police, said Pendree had “little option but to plead guilty” after the video evidence gathered.

He added: “Pendree did not possess a valid licence nor the appropriate insurance.

“We welcome this sentence; it shows that dangerous drivers will be put before the courts and face justice.”