A MAN with serious mental health problems smashed into three of his neighbours’ vehicles and a police van when officers turned up to help him, Bradford Crown Court heard.

Mohammed Hanif panicked when he saw the police although they had been called by a worried member of his family because they thought he shouldn’t be driving.

Hanif, 35, smashed his way out in a silver Mitsubishi Shogun when they blocked him in outside his home in Clarkson Street, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, on February 9, 2018.

He had been recalled to prison when he was sentenced today on a video link to HMP Wealston.

He pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the sexual offender notification rules by not telling the police of his change of address, and dangerous driving.

Prosecutor Daniel Penman said Hanif did not contact the police after he was released from prison on January 31, 2018.

He was ordered to register as a sex offender after admitting three counts of sexual assault in 2006. The three year community order he received was later changed to a Hospital Order.

Hanif’s list of 17 previous convictions also included conspiracy to supply cannabis and possession of an offensive weapon.

His lawyer, Susannah Proctor, said he was clearly very unwell when he committed the offences more than two years’ ago.

The neighbours whose vehicles he damaged did not want to press charges because they knew he was mentally ill.

A family member had called out the police because Hanif was so poorly he should not have been driving but he panicked and tried to get away.

Judge Jonathan Rose jailed Hanif for a total of four months and he was banned from driving for 20 months and until he takes an extended retest.