Sheffield police officer's life passed before his eyes as he dodged a banned dangerous driver

Sheffield Crown Court heard on August 8 how motorist Charlie Dabell, aged 19, of Wordsworth Avenue, at Parson Cross, Sheffield, had been approached by the police officer on foot near Rockingham Street and West Street before he sped away narrowly missing the officer.

Richard Sheldon, prosecuting, said Dabell had just bought the car despite having a driving ban which had been imposed after he had previously been caught exceeding a drug-drive limit.

NEWS: Violence against South Yorkshire police officers condemned as 15 attacks reported each week

Mr Sheldon added: “The occupants of the defendant’s vehicle seemed to be inhaling from balloons inside the motorcar so police approached to make further investigations.”

A police officer indicated for Dabell to pull in but he revved his engine, according to Mr Sheldon, and the defendant drove away causing the officer to jump out of the way to avoid being struck.

Mr Sheldon said: “The vehicle went past very close and the squeal from the tyre of the defendant’s car could be heard as he continued to travel on Rockingham Street and overtook two vehicles.”

The officer, who had been wearing a high-visibility top, stated, “My life passed before my eyes”, and he added that he had feared he would be knocked over.

Dabell pleaded guilty to dangerous driving in a Volvo vehicle and to driving while disqualified after the incident on New Year’s Day, 2022.

Chris Brewin, defending, said Dabell has had a difficult upbringing and he had been in the care system and he has been struggling after the death of his grandparents.

Mr Brewin added that Dabell is supported by his sister who submitted a letter to the court for the judge to consider.

Judge Graham Robinson told Dabell: “The officer had to leap out of the way or he would have been killed or almost certainly injured.”

He sentenced Dabell to two months of custody suspended for one year with a rehabilitation requirement and an education and training employment programme.

Dabell was also disqualified from driving for three years.

Judge Robinson told Dabell: “If you come back before me again I am going to take some persuading not to send you down the back door to your left that leads to the cells.”

NEWS: Police begin crackdown on motorcycle-based criminality in Sheffield using 'tactical contact'