Shocking new footage has been released showing the moment a stolen car, driven at high speed, ploughed into a care home in Sunderland, causing catastrophic damage and leaving elderly residents injured.
The High-Speed Pursuit and Collision
On the evening of July 10, Sam Asgari-Tabar, 21, was behind the wheel of a stolen BMW 3-Series. He was being pursued by Northumbria Police officers for approximately four minutes before the vehicle smashed into the side of Highcliffe Care Home in the Witherwack area.
Video evidence played at Newcastle Crown Court showed the unmarked police car in pursuit on residential streets. The chase reached speeds exceeding 90mph before the BMW hit an exterior wall of the home. The force of the impact was so severe it caused the floor of the upstairs lounge to collapse.
Catastrophic Consequences for Vulnerable Residents
The crash had devastating consequences for the residents, many of whom live with dementia. Two elderly residents suffered broken bones, including a 94-year-old woman with dementia who sustained fractured vertebrae.
The court heard that the woman, who previously enjoyed activities at the home, has since lost her enthusiasm and must wear a brace. Judge Earl described the damage as 'catastrophic and appalling', noting that many residents were unable to comprehend what had happened, experiencing only fear and shock.
Tragically, two elderly residents died following the crash, although their deaths did not form part of the prosecution case. The care home, which specialises in dementia care, had to be evacuated. The physical damage cost £260,000, with a further £411,000 lost in capacity.
Investigation and Sentencing
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an inquiry into the police pursuit. It concluded that the officers involved behaved in an 'exemplary manner'. The investigation found the pursuit was justified and the police driver maintained a safe distance, despite the extreme speeds.
IOPC director Emily Barry stated: 'The responsibility for this collision, and the resulting injuries, lies solely with the BMW driver, who had every opportunity to do the right thing and stop for police.'
The court heard that Asgari-Tabar and his accomplice, Reece Parish, 21, had stolen the car after responding to a Facebook Marketplace advert. They initially drove off with the terrified woman selling the car on behalf of a relative still inside, before eventually letting her out.
In November, Sam Asgari-Tabar was jailed for five years and two months after pleading guilty to robbery and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Reece Parish of Fordham Road, Sunderland, was sentenced to 19 months for robbery, with a further 18 months for a separate violent disorder offence.
Judge Earl said it was one of the worst examples of dangerous driving he had seen in his career, remarking it was 'amazing... there was not more damage or injury'.
