Dangerous driver led police on high-speed chase to say 'goodbye' to dying dad

Carl Blower, 36, knew he was being recalled to prison but continued on the chase with speeds of up to 95mph - even after police used a stinger device to pop his tyres

A man who knew he was being sent back to prison led police on a high-speed chase because he wanted to "say goodbye" to his dying dad, a court heard.

Carl Blower hit speeds of up to 95mph as he led police on a pursuit around County Durham on September 27. The 36-year-old, who was being recalled to prison for licence breaches regarding "relationships and drug use", even continued on the chase after cops used a stinger device to pop his tyres.

Durham Crown Court heard Blower wanted to "say goodbye" to his terminally ill dad before returning to jail. At the time of the chase, he was banned from driving and uninsured.

On Monday, Blower, of Raby Road, Ferryhill, Durham, appeared at the court via link from HMP Durham and was sentenced for dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, failing to provide a sample and driving without insurance. The 36-year-old pleaded guilty to the offences.

The court heard that while the chase was happening, Blower knew he was to be sent back to jail and "panicked" when he saw officers. He then failed to stop as several attempts were made to pull him over. He also reached speeds of 95mph in a 60mph area, and began overtaking other vehicles on blind bends. At one point, he drove 80mph in a 30mph zone and was driving through road works and built up areas.

Judge Jo Kidd said: "You took no responsibility or notice to the obvious risks posed to any other road users. You [continued] driving, even after your tyres had been deflated after a stinger device was used. You failed to stop and were the subject of a disqualification at the time." When Blower was finally arrested, he refused to provide a blood sample to officers, claiming he "didn't like needles".

Jennifer Coxon, defending, said: "He had been residing with his father, who is terminally ill and receiving palliative care. He had been providing care. His mother has spinal problems and she was caring for her own mum.

"[Blower] was aware he had been licence recalled for having contact with a female. He saw police and panicked and knew he was going to be arrested. He was driving back to say goodbye to his father in case he passed away while he was in custody. He found himself in a silly position and had been complying with his licence conditions."

Carl Blower was jailed for 14 months and disqualified from driving for two years and seven months.