Driver with no licence or insurance led police on high-speed chase

A ST George man led police on an 80mph chase through a residential neighbourhood.

Mohammed Ali drove his silver BMW 330 through a red light and went the wrong way on a roundabout during a dramatic police pursuit in Yate.

The 32-year-old, of Park View Close, attended Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and admitted driving dangerously without a licence or insurance, and having cannabis in the car.

He confirmed he would be pleading guilty to all charges.

Prosecutor Chris Rendell told the court: “At around 3am on April 22, two police officers had reason to stop a vehicle which the defendant was driving. They were concerned about the manner of driving and requested the vehicle to stop.

“This was on a place called Goose Green Way, at the junction with Link Road and Station Road. When they asked the defendant to stop, he accelerated and drove through a red light on Link Road, going towards Scott Way. He turned into Scott Way and travelled at 80mph in a 30mph zone.

“When the defendant came to a roundabout, he went round it on the right hand side. He then continued to drive at speeds of 50mph and 60mph in the housing estate.”

Police reported Ali was around 50cm away from crashing into parked cars on Slimbridge Close when he eventually came to a stop.

They found 1.4g of cannabis in the car and Ali told the officers he did not have a driving licence.

He has two convictions for seven offences, the most recent a supply of cannabis offence in 2019. The year before, he drove without a licence or insurance.

His lawyer Liz Highams pointed out her client had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and cooperated with police.

Presiding Justice Deborah Merrick said: “Due to sentencing guidelines, excessive speeds as part of a police pursuit, and also looking at Mr Ali’s previous, we feel that this case is best dealt with at Bristol Crown Court.”

Ali must sign on at a police station once a week before sentencing as part of his bail conditions.

Mrs Merrick also imposed an interim driving ban ahead of sentencing. The case was adjourned to August 3 at Bristol Crown Court.