Doncaster driver 'took ex-girlfriend's car and crashed it'

Sheffield Crown Court heard on June 19 how Daniel Singleton, aged 36, of Urban Road, Doncaster, lost control of the Mini Cooper on Balby Road, Doncaster, and crashed into railings.

Amy Earnshaw, prosecuting, said Singleton had been in a “rocky relationship” and the couple had fallen out and he took the woman’s car on December 26 and it was later found by police blocking two lanes on Balby Road.

Ms Earnshaw added damage had been caused to the vehicle and to the central reservation railings and Singleton was identified as the driver by DNA found on the airbag and from a witness sighting.

Singleton, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking and admitted driving without a licence or insurance.

Michael Cane-Soothill, defending, said Singleton’s ex-girlfriend was a key worker appointed to help him address issues after he had been released from custody and they struck up a relationship.

He said Singleton who had previously been allowed to drive the car had begun using drugs again.

The Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson QC, told Singleton he was in an “improper” relationship and had taken a car without permission and crashed it.

Singleton was sentenced to three-months of custody but he was released from prison because of the time he has spent behind bars on remand.

The defendant was disqualified from driving for 12-months and was given a five-year restraining order.