Armed South Yorkshire motorist is spared from jail after he fled from police at high speeds

An armed motorist who fled from police at high speeds through a town centre has narrowly been spared from jail.
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David Singleton, aged 33, of Abbeydale Road, Dunscroft, Doncaster, was initially spotted driving without lights by police on East Laith Gate, Doncaster, according to a Sheffield Crown Court hearing.

Prosecuting barrister Jessica Randell told the hearing on March 18 how Singleton dropped-off two passengers before driving away with one passenger and as police drove in front of him and requested him to stop on a roundabout he reversed and drove away at speed.

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Ms Randell added Singleton sped-off at 70mph in a 30mph zone, overtook vehicles on the wrong side of the road, reached speeds of 85mph and contravened a red traffic light at 70mph.

Sheffield Crown Court has heard how a dangerous driver has narrowly been spared from jail after he sped away from police at high speeds.Sheffield Crown Court has heard how a dangerous driver has narrowly been spared from jail after he sped away from police at high speeds.
Sheffield Crown Court has heard how a dangerous driver has narrowly been spared from jail after he sped away from police at high speeds.

Singleton pulled-up into a car park and fled from his vehicle on foot before he was caught and apologised to police, according to Ms Randell.

Recorder Darren Preston told Singleton: “If you hit somebody at that sort of speed they are gong to die and it’s a minor miracle that neither you or your passenger or anyone else was seriously hurt.”

Singleton, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving after the incident on September 29, 2018, and he also admitted possessing a bladed article which was found by police following the defendant’s arrest.

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Andrew Swaby, defending, said as Singleton had become aware of the police his passenger had indicated he had some drugs and Singleton had panicked and had decided to drive away.

Mr Swaby added Singleton had bought the bladed article about a week before the incident and it was still in its cellophane wrapper and it was not brandished and nobody was placed in any fear.

Recorder Preston said he appreciated the blade was a ‘novelty item’. He also acknowledged Singleton has had a difficult life struggling with dyslexia and he is a carer for both his partner and for his father.

He sentenced Singleton to 12 months of custody suspended for 12 months with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and 150 hours of unpaid work.

Singleton was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.