A driver who failed to stop for police and posed a significant risk to other road users has been jailed.
At around 9.45am on Sunday 22 June 2025, officers on patrol on the A35 Puddletown bypass noticed a grey BMW 1 series that was believed to be displaying cloned registration plates and had no insurance.
Officers attempted to stop the vehicle by activating blue lights and sirens near to Bere Regis, but the BMW failed to stop and drove onto the A31.
The BMW was being driven by 27-year-old Sarwar Rasool Mustafa from Chard in Somerset.
He continued to cover an approximate distance of 18.5 miles failing to stop for police. During this time, he was driving dangerously at excess speed, as well contravening red traffic lights and double white lines. Mustafa also reversed into a police vehicle.
The incident was brought to a safe conclusion in Autumn Close in Ferndown and Mustafa was arrested.
Mustafa pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop, using a motor vehicle without third party insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. He was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday 19 December 2025 to 18 months in prison and has been disqualified from driving for 40 months.
Police Constable Mark Palmer, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “Mustafa was travelling at speeds of up to around 100mph and overtook many vehicles in a dangerous manner.
“It is extremely lucky that he was not involved in a collision and no other road users were harmed by his reckless driving.
“The dashcam footage from this incident is shocking – there is no excuse for driving the way that Mustafa did that day. This could have ended in devastating and tragic consequences.
“Everybody has a responsibility for not only themselves, but also other road users when getting behind the wheel and we need everyone to play their part by making good decisions and driving within the law.”
