Personal Trainer Admits Dangerous Driving, Faces Sentencing

Following his guilty pleas, Mazyar Azarbonyad was granted conditional bail by magistrates. He is scheduled to be sentenced next month. The incident involved a high-speed chase and a serious collision.

Azarbonyad, driving a BMW, was initially signaled to stop by police due to a defective rear light. He instead sped away, leading to a pursuit that culminated in a crash near the Denton roundabout. The location is known for a previous incident involving Raoul Moat.

The 20-year-old personal trainer admitted to dangerous driving, failing to stop twice, and driving without a license or insurance. The crash, which occurred on April 9, resulted in damage to five police vehicles and required seven officers to seek hospital treatment.

Azarbonyad, originally from Iran, was also found to have driven a red Hyundai on multiple occasions after the initial incident, despite being warned not to drive and still lacking a license or insurance. He was apprehended at a garage while refueling his vehicle.

The prosecution highlighted the defendant's lack of judgment, noting his continued driving despite the severity of the initial incident. The court heard that Azarbonyad had a woman in his car on a first date at the time of the crash.

Azarbonyad's defense stated that he worked as a self-employed personal trainer and had no prior convictions. He expressed genuine remorse for his actions, acknowledging his "foolish" decision to drive after the crash. He explained that he panicked when the police attempted to stop him.

The defense also described the events of the crash, stating that Azarbonyad had slowed down and signaled before the unmarked police vehicle collided with the other vehicles. The solicitor emphasized that Azarbonyad accepted responsibility for the incident through his guilty plea.

The court granted Azarbonyad bail on the condition that he refrains from driving and observes a curfew. He will be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on May 20.