Jail prospect for unlicensed Rawmarsh driver who fled police

Daniel Walsh (28), of Kilnhurst Road, Rawmarsh, led cops on a chase around parts of Sheffield city centre and Broomhill at 8pm on October 27.

He appeared unrepresented at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday (7) where his case was adjourned until Friday for sentencing.

Judge Jeremy Richardson gave him the chance to seek legal representation and to visit the probation service after he missed an appointment.

Walsh admitted dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving without a licence at an earlier hearing.

On the night of the incident, the defendant had been drinking but wasn’t over the drink-drive limit.

Mr Carl Fitch, prosecuting, said: “The defendant is seen on Campo Lane, goes onto Hawley Street, turning right through a no entry sign, and goes up to University Roundabout.

“It’s a very busy street.”

Walsh drove past Sheffield Children’s Hospital and into Broomhill, where the chase came to an end.

“He’s driving through red lights,” said Mr Fitch.

“Even though it was only just over a mile, it is a very serious matter.

“He had female passengers in the back of the car who he had met in the pub and offered to take them home.”

Walsh told the court he worked full-time selling lorry parts for a Maltby firm.

“I’m very sorry,” said Walsh. “I just panicked in the moment.

“The passengers were shouting at me.

“I don’t think they were encouraging me — I just panicked.”

Judge Richardson said there would have been students in the areas he had speeded through.

“I want you to clearly understand that there is a very real risk that I’m going to send you immediately to prison,” said Judge Richardson.

He told Walsh he should seek a letter from his employers clarifying whether he would lose his job if he were sent to prison.