A "respectable" businessman led police on a dangerous chase in his high-powered BMW and hit speeds of up to 120mph.
Shahbaz Ali took off from police following an incident in a Durham pizza shop in November last year after he "panicked" and was eventually caught miles away back at home in Washington. The 36-year-old, who was suspected of drinking alcohol before the pursuit, drove on the A1 like it was a "racetrack", with police briefly giving up the chase due to the speed he was driving.
Ali, of Capesthorne Road, Washington, appeared at Durham Crown Court on Thursday to be sentenced for dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen. He had denied the offences but was found guilty following a trial.
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The court heard that Ali was at one of his Durham City centre pizza shops at Claypath on November 13 when he was spoken to by police following an "incident". Officers told him to drive to a safe area that was a little less busy for a conversation, but Ali instead "panicked" and took off in his BMW M3. He then led them on a high-speed pursuit, with police catching up with him near Chester-le-Street on the A1(M).
The court heard that the pursuing officers estimated he was driving at up to 120mph to 130mph after taking off from them again. When police went to his Washington home, the BMW was parked outside and the engine was still hot. He later denied having driven the car and refused to give a breath specimen.
A probation report, which was read out to the court, said he had taken over his own shop in the Gilesgate area of Durham and that he and members of his family have shares in other companies. The report said Ali had "significant debts" of his own and had taken the decision not to drink alcohol since August.
Jennifer Coxon, defending, said Ali will have to "live with the decision" he took to deny the offences and go to trial, but has now admitted the offences. She said: "He understands he's been found guilty and needs to be sentenced accordingly. He is from a well educated and well respected, caring family." Ms Coxon added that during the lockdown period, Ali had to "adapt his business", which had an impact on it and has three children.
Sentencing Ali, Judge James Adkin said he had been driving on the A1 as if it was a "racetrack" and that his driving could easily have resulted in death. He said: "I am sure you had taken drink before the chase, that's why you were particularly concerned to get away (from police)." The judge said that an immediate prison sentence would have an impact on Ali's children and elderly relatives, adding: "You are a responsible man running a number of businesses and are generally law abiding. By a hair's breadth I have decided not to send you immediately to prison."
Ali was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years and must complete 220 hours unpaid work. A 12 month community order was also imposed as well as 30 rehabilitation days. Ali was banned from driving for two years and must take an extended re-test if he wants his licence back. He will also have to pay £2,000 court costs.
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