High-speed Sheffield driver who crashed during police pursuit spared from jail
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Sheffield Crown Court heard on December 1 how Rhys Davis, aged 27, of Challonor Way, Westfield, Sheffield, was pursued by police after he accelerated away from them on Deerlands Avenue, Parson Cross, Sheffield, in a Toyota Lexus.
Laura Marshall, prosecuting, said police believed the vehicle had been driving towards them at speed so they turned their vehicle around and followed the Lexus with their blue lights activated.
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Hide AdThe defendant appeared to be pulling over before he drove away at high speed, according to Ms Marshall.
She said: “Officers described the vehicle reaching speeds of up to 83mph in the course of the pursuit.”
But Davis, whose partner was a front seat passenger, lost control of his vehicle which became airborne as it collided with a roundabout at Deerlands Avenue adjoining Adlington Road and Holgate Avenue, as well as a lamppost and a parked vehicle.
The defendant fled the scene, according to Ms Marshall, but he was linked to the offence after his DNA was found on the vehicle’s airbag.
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Hide AdDavis, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving after the incident on July 6, 2019.
Andrew Swaby, defending, said Davis had bought the car from his partner’s father but because he still owed him money the defendant claimed his partner’s father had threatened to report that he had stolen the vehicle so he panicked when he saw the police.
Mr Swaby added: “What took place that night was a lack of maturity on his part and he’s not engaged the right thinking skills by co-operating with the police.”
Davis who cares for his mentally and physically ill father wishes to better himself and the probation service found him to be remorseful, according to Mr Swaby.
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Hide AdJudge Sarah Wright acknowledged Davis has sought work, found accomodation and has made substantial progress.
She sentenced Davis to three months of custody suspended for 12 months with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and disqualified him from driving for 12 months.
Judge Wright told Davis: “I’m giving you a chance. Don’t waste it.”