A speeding driver who led officers on a chase at more than 100mph has been jailed.
Saiful Islam sped away from officers after being stopped by our Road Harm Team in Saltley in July last year.
On the night in question, Islam was spotted by officers taking part in an Op Hercules patrol in the area driving a black Mercedes.
When they told the 25-year-old to slow down he came to a halt and wound the window down to speak to them, only to speed off into the distance when told to turn the engine off.
Islam, who was already serving a driving ban, led officers on a pursuit along the A47, consistently driving at more than 100mph in a 40mph zone.
At one point in the pursuit, Islam crossed onto the opposite side of the dual carriageway, which meant other road users had to take evasive action to avoid being hit head on.
Eventually Islam came to a stop at a nearby recycling centre where he climbed into the back of the car and lied to officers, telling them he had been a passenger - this despite officers having seen his face clearly during the earlier traffic stop.
Islam was charged with dangerous driving and driving while disqualified and was convicted at Birmingham Magistrates Court on 23 December.
He was jailed for 16 months as well as being banned from driving for five years and eight months.
Sergeant Adrian Brown from our Road Harm Prevention Team said: "This was extremely dangerous driving which could easily have resulted in the death of other road users, as well as the driver himself.
"Not only did he try to evade capture, he also tried to pretend he hadn't been driving at all.
"We're committed to making the roads of the West Midlands safer for all road users, and taking an individual like this off the road sends a strong message to those who would break the law.”
Operation Hercules is an ongoing campaign to target people involved in street racing or car cruising where vehicles are driven in an anti-social or dangerous manner.
There is a ban on street racing in Birmingham and the Black Country due to High Court rulings and anyone breaching the ban will be in contempt of court and could face penalties including imprisonment, a fine, or an order to have their assets seized.
Injunctions across the West Midlands prohibit people driving, being a passenger or rider at an illegal gathering where there is motor racing, stunts or other dangerous or anti social; use of vehicles, that also has a power of arrest.
They cover Birmingham and the whole of the boroughs of Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall.
Incidents of street racing should be reported to us on Live Chat on our website or call us on 101. In an emergency always call 999.
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