Courtney Redfern, 27, was being dropped off at her home by Mayzar Azarbonyad, 20, after their first date on April 9, when cops tried to stop his BMW M5
A mum-of-two whose first date ended in a horror A1 crash resulting in seven police officers rushed to hospital has been pictured for the first time. Courtney Redfern, 27, was being dropped off at her home by fitness coach Mayzar Azarbonyad, 20, after their first date on April 9, when cops tried to stop his BMW M5.
The young mum, from Newcastle, pleaded with her date to pull over, but despite her protests, Azarbonyad put his foot down and led officers on a shocking high-speed pursuit through Gateshead and the A1 towards Newcastle. During the terrifying chase, officers were supported by a helicopter, while four police cars boxed in the 20-year-old’s car.
However, an unmarked police car later smashed into the cars at 80mph, unaware they had stopped. Witnesses described the incident as “carnage”, but fortunately, Courtney, along with her date, escaped without any major injuries.
A source told MailOnline the incident caused a “great deal of trauma” for Courtney and her family.
They said: “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.”
Courtney was arrested alongside Azarbonyad on suspicion of aiding and abetting dangerous driving. Police later confirmed she would face no further action. However, she is still under investigation over whether she had possession of cannabis at the time of the incident.
At a Newcastle Crown Court hearing, the driver nervously laughed when asked if he was still in touch with the young mum. It is believed she has decided not to see him anymore.
Azarbonyad, who was due to be sentenced, saw his case adjourned after he contested a previous conviction. The court heard how he accrued eight penalty points for driving with no licence or insurance on September 16, 2023. However, he claimed he had no knowledge of the conviction.
His barrister, Penny Hall, told the court he did not remember committing the offences.
Ms Hall said: “It is possible someone else may have given his details when stopped by the police.”
Sentencing was adjourned until June 2, while the court verifies whether he committed the offences.
Judge Tim Gittens told the defendant: ‘I am granting you bail but I am not giving you any indication of sentence. All options will be open to the court. Given the gravity of this offence that will be up to and including custody.”
Azarbonyad was granted bail on the condition he does not drive any car.