A 22-year-old BMW driver, Riyaad Rahman, has been sentenced to 14 months in jail after engaging in a dangerous 10-minute police chase through West Bromwich, during which he reached speeds of up to 70mph in 30mph zones. Rahman claimed he was ‘peer pressured’ into fleeing officers following reports of a late-night disturbance.
The incident began at around 9pm on March 29 when police responded to a report of disorder involving four men. A grey BMW was identified in the report, and officers quickly spotted the vehicle at the scene. After police switched on their lights, the stationary BMW reversed and sped away, sparking the chase.
Throughout the pursuit, Rahman ran a red light and maneuvered dangerously between cars, forcing other motorists to brake abruptly or even mount the pavement to avoid collisions. The court heard that Rahman was already serving a sentence after being recalled to prison for a prior conviction from November 2020.
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Defending counsel Thomas Hodgkiss explained that Rahman showed honesty about his actions and admitted guilt during his police interview. Hodgkiss emphasized Rahman’s ‘low maturity’ at the time and his susceptibility to peer pressure, which contributed to his decision to continue driving recklessly. The lawyer also noted Rahman’s positive background as a carer for his mother and that he had been set to begin university studies in June.
Sentencing, Judge David Perry highlighted the 10-minute, 26-second pursuit and Rahman’s excessive speeding. He recognized Rahman’s immediate acceptance of responsibility once arrested and mentioned Rahman’s prior good compliance with probation before this incident. Alongside the jail term, Rahman received a 25-month driving ban.
Rahman appeared for sentencing via video link from HMP Birmingham.