A 20-year-old personal trainer has admitted to dangerous driving after a high-speed chase ended in a serious crash that injured seven police officers.

Mazyar Azarbonyad was taking a woman home from their first date in the early hours of April 9 when police attempted to stop his BMW over a faulty rear light in Tyneside, northern England. Rather than pull over, he sped off, sparking a pursuit that culminated in a multi-vehicle collision at around 2:30 a.m.

According to BBC News and The Independent reports, five police vehicles were involved in the crash. One unmarked police car, which had reached speeds up to 135 mph, collided with Azarbonyad’s car, causing significant damage. One police car had its roof torn off, and several officers were injured.

In court, Azarbonyad admitted he was unlicensed at the time and that the woman with him was carrying cannabis. He also confessed to continuing to drive on four occasions despite bail conditions forbidding it. He lacked insurance during those incidents as well.

Prosecutor Simon Worth criticized his repeated reckless behavior, stating Azarbonyad had blatantly disregarded the law even after narrowly avoiding serious consequences.

His lawyer, Jack Lovell, said the young man panicked during the police pursuit. Lovell equally stated that Azarbonyd expressed genuine remorse for his actions, calling his client’s decision to drive again “very foolish.”

Mazyar Azarbonyad, who moved to the UK from Iran at 15, has no prior convictions. However, he is now scheduled for sentencing on May 20 at Newcastle Crown Court.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?