A disqualified driver who led police on a 128mph chase along the M56 before crashing at Manchester Airport has been jailed for 16 months. Amin Akhoondi, 22, was already banned from the roads when he drove at speeds of 98mph on built-up urban roads with 30mph speed limits in Wythenshawe.
The pursuit ended when Akhoondi smashed the Volkswagen Golf he was driving into a steel barrier at Manchester Airport's Terminal Two, causing an estimated £10,000 of damage. He has now been jailed for what a Manchester Crown Court judge called 'an appalling example' of dangerous driving.
Pursuit details
Officers on patrol in Wythenshawe on May 5 this year saw Akhoondi's white VW on Firbank Road and a pursuit began, the court heard. Katy Laverty, prosecuting, said Akhoondi was told to stop by police but carried on to reach speeds of 98mph. The car sped through red lights, drove the wrong way around bollards and mounted a pavement on Hollyhedge Road.
Akhoondi joined the M56 westbound and was 'in and out' of traffic as police clocked a top speed of 128mph. He entered the grounds of Manchester Airport, driving on the wrong side of roads, before smashing into the barrier.
Injuries and previous record
His barrister told the court Akhoondi suffered a 'significant' spinal injury in the crash. Appearing via video link from prison, Akhoondi stood throughout the sentencing hearing yesterday, Thursday August 27, appearing unable to sit down due to the fact he wears a back brace. The court also heard he has lost 'motion' in his hand following the crash.
Ms Laverty said: "Due to the defendant's injury, he was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary, where he was arrested." The prosecutor added that after initially telling police he couldn't remember anything about the incident, Akhoondi subsequently gave no comment answers under interview.
Sentencing
Akhoondi had seven previous convictions for 15 offences, including a previous conviction for dangerous driving. He was recalled to prison after his arrest to serve the remainder of a sentence for a previous crime he was convicted of, and has a release date of November 23, 2029.
Peter Malone, defending, said: "The night of this particular incident is still something that does trouble Mr Akhoondi. He is still none the wiser as to why he acted as he did. He had been released on licence and was engaging with probation. He has difficulty in remembering what happened. He realises that the only reason why he has these injuries is down to his own actions - no excuses. He knows he has to go through the result of what he did."
Akhoondi, of no fixed abode, but previously of Stockport, had previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance during a hearing at Manchester and Salford magistrates court on May 16. He was committed to the crown court for sentence yesterday, where he was jailed for 16 months.
The judge, Recorder Jeremy Lasker, said: "It is no thanks to you that nobody else was injured. It was an appalling example of dangerous driving. You are 22 and you have a truly shocking record."
The sentence will be served concurrently to the sentence Akhoondi is currently serving. His licence was endorsed and he was banned from driving for five years with an order to take an extended re-test.
