A BMW driver who claimed he was 'peer pressured' into taking police on a 10-minute 70mph chase through West Bromwich has been jailed. Riyaad Rahman insisted he was goaded into zooming away from officers when they responded to reports of a late-night disturbance.
The 22-year-old accelerated to 70mph in 30mph zones, ran a red light and 'skipped' between vehicles. His dangerous driving also caused other motorists to 'slam' on their brakes to avoid a collision, while one had to mount the pavement to get out of his way.
Court Details
Wolverhampton Crown Court heard how police were called to West Bromwich following a report of 'disorder between four men' at about 9pm on March 29. A grey BMW was mentioned in the report to police, prosecutor Shane Kenny said. When officers arrived at the scene, they spotted the BMW and turned the police vehicle's lights on. The BMW had been stationary but then reversed and drove off, with a pursuit beginning.
The court heard how Rahman was already behind bars after being recalled to prison over a previous conviction, committed in November 2020.
Defence Arguments
Thomas Hodgkiss, defending, said Rahman had been 'honest about his guilt' and admitted his offending during his police interview. The defendant - of New Heart Road, West Bromwich - has 'low maturity' and was 'subject to peer pressure' at the time, Mr Hodgkiss said. He went on: 'That's what led him to continue driving. He is a young man who regrets what he was doing. He made a mistake. He was pressured into driving.'
Rahman - who is a carer for his mother - was on a 'very good path' before his crime and was due to start a university course in June, Mr Hodgkiss added.
Sentencing
Sentencing, Judge David Perry said the pursuit lasted 10 minutes and 26 seconds before Rahman 'decamped' the BMW. Rahman was driving 'significantly in excess' of the speed limit, he said. The judge said: 'You accepted what you did straight away, as soon as you were arrested.' He said Rahman had been on licence before his dangerous driving, describing how there had been 'good compliance' with the probation service before his latest crime.
Rahman, who admitted to dangerous driving, was jailed for 14 months on Wednesday, May 13. The defendant, who appeared via video link from HMP Birmingham, was also handed a 25-month driving ban.
