Watch: Leeds driver jailed after 140mph BMW pursuit ends in roundabout crash
A Leeds man has been jailed after a 140mph police pursuit ended with his BMW going airborne over a roundabout before crashing.
At around 9.10pm on July 25, 2025, police responded to reports a vehicle was driving dangerously in the area of Garrowby Hill, on the A166.
Police checks revealed the car was a BMW Series 3 registered to an address in Leeds.
Officers anticipated the car would head towards Leeds and plotted a likely route along the A64, westbound.
Traffic Constable Nick Simpson positioned himself at the A64 Fulford Interchange. Minutes later, the BMW passed his location.
TC Simpson followed the car and noted its erratic driving so he decided the safest option was to stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
Blue lights were activated at 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, Ashley Parr, 35 from Guiseley, failed to stop, reaching speeds of 130mph on the A64 before joining the A1 southbound.
The speed increased to 140mph before the vehicle exited at junction 42 of the A1(M), police reported.
The driver then failed to negotiate the roundabout, striking it at a high speed and becoming airborne.
Parr had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing and was sentenced on Monday (Apr 20) at York Crown Court to 16 months behind bars.
He was also handed a driving ban for three years and eight months.
The BMW rolled several times before coming to rest in a roadside hedge.
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.”