Mum-of-two ‘recovering' after nightmare first date with driver who caused horror A1 crash that left 7 cops in hospital

The Sun

25-05-2025

A YOUNG mum is "recovering" after a nightmare first date with a driver who caused a horror pile-up during a police chase.
Seven cops needed hospital treatment following the high-speed pursuit as personal trainer Mazyar Azarbonyad, 20, attempted to flee - all with his date Courtney Redfern, 27, in the passenger seat.
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Police pulled over Iranian-born Azarbonyad's BMW M5 in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, in the early hours of April 9 as he drove home.
Mum-of-two Courtney urged him to stop before he led cops on a pursuit through the town and onto the A1 towards Newcastle.
Four police cars - with the support of a helicopter - were able to box in the BMW, bringing it to a halt.
However, another unmarked police Volvo smashed into the stationary vehicles on the carriageway near the Derwent Haugh Road junction at 80mph at 2.27am.
Courtney and Azarbonyad managed to come out of the crash with only minor injuries.
Shocking pictures from the scene show the mangled police cars - as well as the unmarked black car on its side.
None of the officers suffered life-threatening injuries, according to Northumbria Police.
An unnamed source told the MailOnline: "There was a great deal of trauma for Courtney and her family as a result of what happened.
"It was a first date and no one could have expected an outcome like that from what should have been an ordinary evening out.
"It's fortunate that no one was killed when looking at the wreckage left behind, it was all anyone who saw it could talk about.
"She's recovering but it was obviously a major shock."
Appearing at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on April 19, Azarbonyad pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop twice and having no licence and no insurance during the crash.
He also admitted a series of other driving offences, including driving without insurance or a licence four times after the collision in breach of his bail conditions.
He was due to be sentenced today over the crash but was the case was adjourned until June 2 after he contested a previous conviction.
The court was told he accrued eight penalty points for driving with no licence or insurance on September 16 2023, but Azarbonyad claimed to have no knowledge of the conviction, reports the Mail.
Azarbonyad was given bail on the condition he does not drive his vehicle.
Courtney was also arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting dangerous driving but was later told she faced no further action.
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."
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