South Yorkshire offender jailed for committing 'multiple crimes'

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heard on March 24 how Darren Michael Sales, 54, of Roman Crescent, Brinsworth, Rotherham, admitted causing damage and dangerous driving.He was also found guilty at a previous trial hearing in his absence for an offence of common assault upon an emergency worker.Toni McCann, prosecuting, told the court Sales had been seen driving into a Citroen car belonging to a neighbour with whom he had issues in October and he caused damage.She added that during a separate incident in November police had been responding to an anonymous call when Sales picked up a knife.Ms McCann said Sales walked towards the officer but dropped the knife when officers drew stun guns.He was found guilty of this offence of common assault on an emergency worker in his absence.Ms McCann also added that in February during a separate incident Sales was seen driving at speed at Manor Oaks Road, Sheffield, by police who followed and had to pursue him.He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop and to driving with no insurance and no licence.However, handyman Sales was found not guilty of going equipped and not guilty to possessing an axe in a public place after police had searched his vehicle.But he accepted committing the damage and the assault matters while he was subject to a suspended prison sentence which had been imposed for previous offences.Defence solicitor Geoff Flemming said Sales has been remanded in custody since February and the dangerous driving offence was not the most serious of its kind.District Judge Naomi Redhouse told Sales: “You have a whole variety of offending here. To say you lack judgement is a polite way of putting it.”She added: “I hope one day you can learn to think before you act.”District Judge Redhouse sentenced Sales to 34 weeks of custody and he was banned from driving for 12 months.He must also pay £100 compensation for the damage caused.