'Dangerous' thug jailed after string of violent attacks on drivers in Doncaster

Bradley Turner has been jailed for a string of attacks.

Edlington man Bradley Turner, 29, has been sentenced to eight years behind bars after a rampage in November last year which saw him steal two cars, threaten terrified witnesses, hurl abuse, attack an unsuspecting driver and getting involved in a police pursuit.

Police Constable Rachel Smethurst, investigating, said: “Turner’s rampage began in the early hours of 2 November, when he threatened a driver who he came across sleeping in his car at the side of the road. After banging on the window of the car, Turner snatched the keys and stole the car.

“A short time later, police received reports of a collision in Sprotbrough. It was Turner, who had crashed the stolen vehicle into another car. Turner threatened witnesses at the scene before fleeing.

“Only 20 minutes later, Turner approached another vehicle. He claimed to be a police officer and smashed the driver’s window to steal the keys. As the victim attempted to fight back, Turner hurled abuse at him and punched and kicked him, before driving off in the stolen car.”

Not long after this second attack, Turner failed to stop for traffic officers, who pursued him along Princes Crescent and Headingley Way in Edlington.

Turner abandoned his vehicle in a nearby field but was swiftly detained by officers.

Turner was charged with two counts of robbery, one charge of possession of a bladed article and a number of driving offences including no licence and no insurance and pleaded guilty at a hearing on 21 April.

Last week, Turner, of Broomhouse Lane, Edlington, was sentenced to eight years in prison at Sheffield Crown Court.

DC Smethurst added: “This man shamelessly attacked and threatened members of the public that morning, people who were just going about their daily lives. Turner was also found to be in possession of a knife which the courts have taken into account.

“It is absolutely right that he has been given a custodial sentence for his crimes, he is a dangerous criminal who shouldn’t be on our streets.”