A speeding drugs courier hit 120mph as he sped down the M42 to try and escape police before eventually being stopped and found with £1.3 million in drugs.

At Birmingham Crown Court last Monday (July 7) David Sherratt, 48, of no fixed address, was jailed for 12 years and nine months after admitting being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possessing the drug with into to supply, and dangerous driving.

His sentencing came after a chase by West Midlands Police who chased his black Peugeot 3008 - believed to be linked to drugs - on the M5 and onto the M42.

A police helicopter joined the chase as Sherratt's vehicle was stung, and lost a tyre, before it was boxed in and Sherratt arrested on the M42 near Alvechurch.

In the boot of the car were Sports Direct bags, each carrying 18kg of cocaine. The total wholesale value was up to £1.3m.

Sherratt - who has multiple convictions relating to drugs - told officers that the seizure was "not a bad day." Sherratt was seen smashing an object against the dashboard. It was later found to be his phone, in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.

But when police examined his phone, messages showed he had been involved in the collection of a further 135kg of drugs – worth up to £5 million in total. He would deliver them to customers around the country, earning up to £200 per kilo delivered – and was expecting to earn £20,000 in just six weeks for his work.

Sherratt has 12 convictions for 19 offences dating back to 1995. He was jailed for six years in 2016 for conspiracy to supply class A drugs, and more than four years in 2020 for further drugs offences.

David Sherratt has a host of convictions relating to drugs (image via West Midlands Police)

Det Ch Insp Peter Cooke, of the Regional Organised Crime Unit for the West Midlands, said: "This is a major recovery of drugs that would have ultimately been sold on the streets of the UK and caused untold misery.

"Sherratt's attempt to get away from our officers was dangerous and put other road users at risk, but great work by the Road Crime Team meant the pursuit was brought to a safe conclusion.

"He played a significant role in the distribution of drugs around the country, but will now be spending years behind bars."

The major haul of drugs was one of a number Sherratt was due to deliver (image via West Midlands Police)