Mazyar Azarbonyad, the personal trainer who caused a catastrophic collision on the A1 while on a first date, was released from a young offenders institution after serving just four months of a 14-month sentence. However, he has now been taken back into custody for breaching his bail conditions.
Details of the Crash
The crash, which occurred on April 9 last year near Newcastle at 2:30 am, involved speeds of up to 120 mph during a police pursuit. His first date, Courtney Redfern, begged him to stop before the horrific collision, which caused approximately £250,000 worth of damage to police vehicles. Seven police officers were taken to hospital, but miraculously no one was seriously injured.
Sentencing and Early Release
Azarbonyad was sentenced to 14 months in detention last June after admitting two counts of failing to stop, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance or a licence. He was released on licence in October last year under strict conditions, including where he could live and work, and was monitored by the Probation Service.
Recall to Custody
Earlier this month, Azarbonyad was recalled to prison for breaching his conditions or exhibiting behaviour that suggested he posed an increased risk to the public. A Prison and Probation Service spokesperson stated: “As this case shows, we do not hesitate to send offenders back to prison if they break the rules.”
Comparisons to Other Cases
The early release of Azarbonyad drew criticism, with a source close to the case noting that it created a perception that justice had not been served. Similarly, Sycamore Gap vandal Adam Carruthers was released after serving 10 months of a four-year sentence, while his co-accused Daniel Graham remains behind bars until at least January 2027.
Court Proceedings
Newcastle Crown Court heard that Azarbonyad, then 20 years old and originally from Iran, was giving his date a lift home in a powerful BMW 5 series when police attempted to pull him over due to a faulty brake light. He had eight points on his licence from a previous conviction for driving without insurance. The crash involved five police cars and the BMW, with drone images showing damaged vehicles strewn across the carriageway.
Azarbonyad was also banned from driving for three years. His case was adjourned last May for checks on his driving record, which confirmed his prior conviction.
