Man jailed for drugs possession after trying to flee police
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Southampton man jailed after failed motorcycle getaway and CCTV drug stash.
A man who attempted to escape police by fleeing into a Millbrook newsagents has been jailed, following the recovery of Class A drugs, cash, and critical CCTV footage.
Matthew Kimberley, 23, from Abbotsfield Southampton, was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court on 24 July 2025 to 2 years and 6 months in prison for possession of Class A drugs and obstructing a constable in the execution of duty.
The court heard how Kimberley was spotted riding on the back of a stolen motorcycle in the Millbrook area of Southampton. Officers PC Cain and PC Harvey pursued him on foot after he abandoned the bike and ran into a nearby newsagents. Inside the shop, Kimberley was caught on CCTV frantically trying to discard a significant quantity of Class A drugs.
He resisted officers during the arrest, causing a minor injury to one of them. Thankfully, the officer recovered quickly, and the arrest led to the seizure of the drugs, £160 in cash, and a mobile phone linked to suspected supply activity. All items were forfeited and ordered to be destroyed. Kimberley was also handed a victim surcharge of £228.
Inspector Andrew Proctor, from Southampton West Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This was a reckless and futile attempt to outrun responsibility. Kimberley’s actions -riding on a stolen motorcycle, fleeing from police, and discarding drugs in a busy shop - posed a clear risk to the public and our officers.
"The professionalism and urgency shown by our team ensured evidence was secured and justice delivered. This conviction sends a clear message: if you bring drug harm into our communities, we will pursue you - through alleyways, into corner shops, and all the way to court.”
The arrest is part of a wider initiative by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary to disrupt local drug networks. Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity in their communities by calling 101 or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.