WATCH: Speeding driver jailed after being caught in 100mph police chase in Birmingham
A speeding driver who led officers on a chase at more than 100mph in Birmingham has been jailed.
Shocking footage, released by West Midlands Police, captured the moment 25-year-old 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.
The driver was told to slow down and appeared to comply at first as he came to a stop and wound down his window to speak to officers.
However, Islam, who was already serving a driving ban, sped off when officers told him to switch his engine off.
He 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.
The pursuit came to an end as Islam stopped at a nearby recycling centre. He then climbed into the backseat and attempted to lie to police - claiming he was a passenger - 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
on December 23.
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 targets people involved in illegal street racing and antisocial car cruising, which is banned across Birmingham and the Black Country under High Court injunctions.
Anyone who takes part — even as a passenger — can be arrested and face penalties including fines, imprisonment or seizure of assets, and incidents should be reported via 101, Live Chat or 999 in an emergency.
