Drunk driver’s car goes airborne after 142 mph police chase

By Charlie Fenton

This is the shocking moment a drug driver's car somersaults in the air after speeding into a roundabout following a 142mph police chase.

Heart-stopping police dashcam footage shows Ashley Parr, 35, who is inside a white BMW 3 Series hitting the roundabout which sends him airborne.

The car can be seen spinning mid-air before it crashes down on the other side of the road - clearing the roundabout - onto its bonnet and begins somersaulting at least three times until it comes to a stop in a hedge.

The crash came after a terrifying 140 mph police pursuit after at around 9:10pm on Monday, July 21 last year a member of the public contacted police to report a vehicle driving dangerously in the area of Garrowby Hill, East Yorks., on the A166.

Officers present ran Parr's plates through a database which showed the BMW 3 Series was registered to an address in Leeds.

Police then plotted his likely route back to Leeds along the A64 westbound, anticipating the vehicle would head towards the city.

Traffic Constable Nick Simpson positioned himself at the A64 Fulford Interchange and minutes later, the BMW passed his location.

TC Simpson began following the vehicle, immediately noting its erratic driving he decided the safest option was to stop the vehicle as soon as possible.

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He began pursuing Parr, switching on his blue lights on the A1036 junction.

The BMW initially slowed and moved into lane one but then made a sudden manoeuvre across the hatched markings and continued along the A64 towards junction 44 of the A1.

The driver failed to stop, reaching speeds of 130mph on the A64 before joining the A1 southbound.

Speeds increased to 140mph before the vehicle exited at junction 42 of the A1(M) - Parr then failed to negotiate the roundabout, striking it at speed and becoming airborne.

Parr, of Moorland Drive in Guiseley, in Leeds, West Yorkshire., was charged with dangerous driving, drug driving, and drunk driving, which he pleaded guilty too.

On April 20, he was sentenced at York Crown Court to 16 months behind bars and handed a driving ban for three years and eight months.

Traffic Constable Nick Simpson from North Yorkshire Police said: “This was extremely dangerous driving that could easily have resulted in the death of other road users, as well as the driver himself.

“We are relentless in our approach to making North Yorkshire’s roads safer for everyone. Removing individuals who drive in this manner sends a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“I would also like to thank the member of the public who reported this driver. If you witness driving that poses an immediate danger to others, please call 999.”