Man Jailed After Attempting to Flee Police into Millbrook Newsagents

A Southampton man has been jailed after attempting to evade police by fleeing into a busy Millbrook newsagents, where he was caught discarding Class A drugs on CCTV.

Matthew Kimberley, 23, of Abbotsfield, Southampton, was sentenced to two years and six months in prison at Portsmouth Crown Court on Thursday, 24 July 2025. He was convicted of possession of Class A drugs and obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty.

The court heard that Kimberley had been spotted riding as a passenger on a stolen motorcycle in the Millbrook area. When approached by officers, he abandoned the bike and fled on foot into a nearby shop, where CCTV footage later showed him attempting to discard a significant quantity of Class A substances.

Officers PC Cain and PC Harvey pursued him into the shop, where he resisted arrest and caused a minor injury to one of the officers. The officer has since made a full recovery.

Following the arrest, police recovered the drugs, £160 in cash, and a mobile phone suspected to be linked to drug supply activity. All items were forfeited and ordered to be destroyed by the court. Kimberley was also issued a £228 victim surcharge.

Inspector Andrew Proctor of the 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 incident forms part of a broader initiative by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary to tackle drug-related crime and dismantle local supply networks.

Police are encouraging residents to report suspicious activity in their area by calling 101, or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.