'ZERO REGARD FOR THE SAFETY OF ANYONE ELSE'

After the sentence was passed, Superintendent Billy Mulligan, of Northumbria Police, said: “It is sheer luck Mazyar Azarbonyad did not kill anyone that day with his reckless actions.

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“What should have been a simple stop turned into him driving incredibly dangerously in a bid to get away from officers.

“He showed absolutely zero regard for the safety of anyone else that morning, and his decision-making behind the wheel put lives at risk.

“I would like to recognise the bravery of the officers involved in the pursuit and subsequent collision on the A1. While three officers have been able to return to duty, four of our colleagues remain off work, and I wish them all the best in their recovery.