Doncaster driver found by police with knuckle duster in car
and live on Freeview channel 276
Sheffield Crown Court heard on February 8 how Ryan Sykes, aged 24, of Grasmere Road, Conisbrough, Doncaster, was seen by police driving into a Sainsbury’s car park, on Church Street, at Conisbrough.
Amy Earnshaw, prosecuting, said a police officer with an off-road bike team noticed a VW Golf being driven into the car park at speed and he noticed the driver had a mobile phone in his hand while having a conversation.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMs Earnshaw added the officer tried to speak to Sykes as the car reversed and as the defendant was detained a knuckle-duster was seen falling out of the vehicle.
The defendant claimed he had been using his hands-free phone system and also claimed he had been parking his vehicle when the officer jumped on him.
Sykes, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and to possessing an offensive weapon after the incident on October 2, 2018.
Dale Harris, defending, said the officer admits opening the defendant’s driver’s door and leaping in and claims the defendant was struggling before the vehicle stalled and he was dragged out by police.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMr Harris added that it is not suggested Sykes brandished the knuckle-duster or threatened anyone during the incident.
He added: “He accepts he should not have the weapon at all and it was one of those unfortunate items bought on a holiday. There was no reason to suggest he needed it in his car.”
Recorder Mark McKone said Sykes drove too fast into a supermarket car park while holding a mobile phone and a policeman had tried to remove his car keys.
He told the defendant: "You say you were just driving to park but the policeman was entitled to stop you driving.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdRecorder McKone sentenced Sykes to an 18-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work and a £160 fine. His driving licence was also endorsed with six penalty points.