"I'm not an idiot" boasts 100mph drink driver seconds before crash

A reckless driver told three terrified teen girls: "I'm not an idiot", seconds before a high speed collision into a tramway stantion.
Mehboob ElahiMehboob Elahi
Mehboob Elahi

Married dad-of-two Mehboob Elahi was showing off in his luxury Audi S4 when he hit speeds of up to 100mph on Blackpool Promenade, Preston's Sessions House Court was told.

Elahi, 29, from James Street, Preston, went on a pleasure spin along the Prom with his friend in the front and the three 16-year-old girls in the back before mounting tram tracks in Anchorsholme and losing control.

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At the time he was double the legal drink drive limit - something he claimed was caused by his friend spiking his drink in a club.

Sessions HouseSessions House
Sessions House

One of the girls, who all suffered cuts and bruises in the incident, saw the car head towards the pole and screamed: “We’re all going to die,” before losing consciousness in the horror smash on Fleetwood Road.

Recorder Rankin, suspending Elahi's 18 month jail term for two years said: " You said 'I'm not an idiot' - but that is exactly what you are.

"The girls suffered considerable injuries.

"They detailed how they were terrified by your driving."

Sessions HouseSessions House
Sessions House

Elahi, who now works as a part time manager, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol following the crash, which happened on March 4 about 1am.

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Prosecuting, Paul Brookwell said: " The girls were going to a garage on Talbot Road by Mecca Bongo when They were approached by the defendant and another man.

"They were spoken to and asked if they would like to come and see the car.

"They offered to give the girls a lift to a friends in Thornton. They agreed and got into the car."

But Elahi's driving triggered the girl's fears and he was repeatedly asked to slow down.

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One of the girls could see the speedometer and saw it reach 100mph in a 30mph zone as music blared from the car.

When asked again to slow down he made the cocky comment, before hitting the electricity pole.

A probation officer told the court Elahi had claimed he never drank alcohol until that night and that his drink had been spiked.

Defending, Daniel Harman said Elahi was the breadwinner in his home and brought home £650 a month for his young family and any court costs would impact on them.

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Recorder Rankin replied if he could pay for an Audi A4 he could pay for the consequences of crashing it.

On top of an 18 month ban and extended retest, he must do 250 hours unpaid work and pay £300 costs.