Incident on M4 Ends in Arrest and Community Sentence
A man who pointed a Taser at a police officer after it fell from the officer’s holster during a struggle has been sentenced to a 12-month community order. The dramatic incident occurred on the M4 motorway near Newport after Daniel Baker, 37, from Blaenau Gwent, was pulled over for using a mobile phone while driving.
The incident took place on the eastbound stretch of the M4 between Junction 24 and Junction 25 on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Baker had been spotted by officers driving while using his phone, prompting them to initiate a traffic stop.
Struggle and Weapon Incident
During the stop, officers suspected that Baker was under the influence of drugs and informed him he would be searched. At this point, Baker became uncooperative, leading to a struggle. As the altercation continued, the officer’s Taser fell out of its holster.
Prosecutor Paul Hewitt told Newport Crown Court that Baker then picked up the Taser and pointed it at the officer, who responded by punching and disarming him. Following the incident, officers found a small amount of cocaine on Baker.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
In court, Baker pleaded guilty to the following charges:
- Possession of a Taser
- Resisting a constable in the execution of his duty
- Possession of a controlled drug of class A (cocaine)
- Driving while using a handheld mobile phone
Representing Baker, Rose Glanville urged the court to consider her client’s guilty pleas, remorse, and lack of previous convictions. She explained that Baker works at a nuclear power station and supports his fiancée and two children.
“He recognises that had he just complied at the roadside, none of this would have happened,” she said, describing the offences as “entirely out of character”.
Judge’s Statement
Sentencing Baker, Judge Daniel Williams stated:
“You were stopped by the police on the M4 on the afternoon of August 1 last year. You were seen using your mobile phone, and you appeared to be under the influence of drugs. You became uncooperative when you were told that you would be searched. You resisted arrest and, in the struggle, the officer’s Taser fell out of its holster. You then grabbed it, and the officer said that you aimed the Taser at him. He was so fearful that he punched you and managed to disarm you. You were later found to be in possession of cocaine.”
Baker was sentenced to a 12-month community order and must complete 150 hours of unpaid work as well as a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £1,314 in fines, costs, and a surcharge. His driving licence was endorsed with six penalty points.
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked debate online, with some social media users questioning the adequacy of the sentence. One user wrote, “Pointing a Taser at a cop should mean jail time, not community service.” Another commented, “Lucky he wasn’t shot—dangerous situation for both sides.”
Local authorities are urging drivers to remain calm and compliant during traffic stops, particularly when suspected of offences.
