FIRST-DATE NIGHTMARE
Driver who caused horror A1 crash that left five cop cars mangled was on FIRST DATE during high-speed police chase
Shocking pictures from the scene showed a number of damaged police vehicles and a car on its side
A DRIVER who caused a horror crash on the A1 that left five cop cars mangled was on a first date, it has emerged.
Personal trainer Mazyar Azarbonyad, 20, was trying to escape police when a dramatic car chase unfolded on April 9.
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Officers had become concerned about the way in which the BMW was being driven and attempted to stop it near the Gateshead and Newcastle border.
A woman was also in the car - who Azarbonyad was taking home after a first date.
The dark grey BMW M Sport sped off after being pursued - and a chase was subsequently authorised by Northumbria Police.
At 2.27am, the car and five police vehicles were involved in a crash on the northbound section of the A1 near the Derwent Haugh Road junction.
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Shocking pictures from the scene revealed a number of damaged police cars - as well as an unmarked black car on its side.
Seven officers were taken to hospital, with what were described as non-life threatening injuries.
Azarbonyad, from Durham, was detained on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, while a woman was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting dangerous driving.
Appearing at Newcastle Magistrates' Court today, he admitted to dangerous driving and failing to stop.
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The Iran-born defendant also confessed to driving four times after the crash - in breach of his bail conditions.
He used a Hyundai i10 to go to work at a gym in Newcastle city centre.
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After the collision, Supt Michelle Caisley, from Northumbria Police, said: “Firstly, we want to wish all the officers who have been involved in the collision a full recovery.
“We would also thank all those who attended the scene, including our colleagues from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and the North East Ambulance Service.
“An investigation is under way to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ask anyone with information that may assist us to come forward.
“We would also ask people to avoid speculation both online and in the community which could impact the investigation.
“We recognise this incident has caused significant delays and thank motorists for their patience. The road closure has been necessary in order for our collision investigation team to conduct their enquiries.”
A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call at 2.29am on Wednesday 9 April to reports of a road traffic collision on the A1 northbound near Denton, Newcastle.
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"We dispatched five ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a duty officer, two crews from our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and requested support from our colleagues at the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) who attended by road.
"Five patients were transported to hospital for further treatment."
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