Sleaford man with ‘history of violent behaviour’ rolled stolen car before assaulting three police officers at Tattershall

A man who rolled a stolen car ‘multiple times’ before assaulting three police officers will be sentenced next month.

Sleaford resident Benjamin Smales appeared in court this week, where he pleaded guilty to a total of six charges relating to incidents which took place in the early hours of January 9.

Prosecutor Tosin Abioye told Boston Magistrates’ Court that police had received a report of a road traffic collision at Sleaford Road, Tattershall at 3.13am.

“A Ford Focus was travlleing towards Coningsby when a Citroen driven by the defendant came up behind and attempted to overtake,” she said.

“It scuffed the other car, causing the Citroen to roll multiple times.”

Ms Abioye added that when police arrived 31-year-old Smales became ‘extremely aggressive’.

“He had to be handcuffed and taken to the floor,” she continued.

“He at one officer in the face, kicked another in the head and spat at the other officer.

“It later came to light the vehicle had been stolen from the defendant’s neighbour.”

Boston Magistrates’ Court heard a witness statement from one officer which described being spat at as ‘degrading’.

On Monday (February 3), Smales pleaded guilty to three charges of common assault of an emergency worker, and one of aggravated vehicle taking.

The defendant, who has a provisional driving licence, also admitted driving otherwise in accordance with a licence and using a motor vehicle without third party insurance.

In defence, Roger Lowther said his client had a ‘number of significant problems’ including psychosis, autism, a mild learning disability and a history of violent behaviour.

The case was adjourned until March 5 to allow for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

Smales, of St Giles Avenue, was given unconditional bail and handed an interim driving ban.