Dangerous driver led police on high-speed chase through County Durham to say 'goodbye' to his dying father

A dangerous driver who knew he was being recalled to prison led police on a high-speed chase so he could say goodbye to his dying dad.

Carl Blower led police on a pursuit around County Durham on September 27 and hit speeds of up to 95mph. The 36-year-old drove through Newton Aycliffe and Ferryhill during the chase, and even continued on after police used a stinger device to pop his tyres.

Durham Crown Court heard that at the time of the offences, Blower was being recalled to prison due to licence breaches regarding "relationships and drug use" and wanted to "say goodbye" to his terminally ill father before going back to jail. He was also banned from driving and uninsured at the time.

On Monday, Blower, of Raby Road, Ferryhill, Durham, appeared at the court via link from HMP Durham to be sentence for dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, failing to provide a sample and driving without insurance. He had pleaded guilty to the offences.

The court heard that the offences took place at around 11am, and at the time, Blower knew he was to be recalled to prison and "panicked" when he saw police. He then failed to stop as attempts were made to pull him over.

Judge Jo Kidd said: "You took no responsibility or notice to the obvious risks posed to any other road users." During the chase, Blower hit speeds of 95mph in a 60mph area and was seen 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 Kidd said: "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."

Blower was jailed for 14 months and disqualified from driving for two years and seven months. He must take an extended re-test if he wants his licence back.

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