A DRIVER who followed and deliberately rammed into an electric bike rider in Shledon before leaving him to die has been convicted of murder.
Abdirahman Ibrahim pursued 22-year-old Liam Jones and then drove into the back of him twice along Moat Lane in August 2023.
West Midlands Police said after ramming into Liam the first time, Ibrahim then increased his speed to hit the bike again causing the rider to come off and collide with a concrete bollard.
Liam sustained serious chest and abdominal injuries and was confirmed dead at the scene a short time later.
The court was told Ibrahim – who was driving in his Seat Leon – had first come across Liam and a friend who were separately riding their bikes on Coventry Road less than 10 minutes earlier.
Ibrahim was initially travelling in the opposite direction but he then turned at the roundabout and started to follow them. None of them were travelling at high speed at the time but he drew attention because a car headlight was out.
CCTV showed the car in close proximity and Liam performing a ‘stand-up wheelie’ in front of the vehicle.
In their desperation to shake off Ibrahim the riders changed route – even going the wrong way down a one-way street – but he caught up with them again on Moat Lane.
While Liam’s friend managed to veer away, Ibrahim then drove at the remaining rider.
After knocking Liam off, Ibrahim then drove over the bike before doing a u-turn and making off in his vehicle.
He parked up in Golden Hillock Road, Sparkbrook, and his brother Abdullahi Ibrahim – who had been a passenger in the car – called a taxi for home.
When officers arrived at Abdirahman Ibrahim’s address police say he told a number of lies about where his car was, including it had been parked up elsewhere at about 9.30pm
Ibrahim, aged 21, previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter but he was found guilty following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
Abdullahi Ibrahim, aged 21, pleaded guilty to assisting an offender at an earlier hearing.
The pair will be sentenced alongside on March 26.
Detective Inspector Nick Barnes, from the force’s homicide unit, said: “Abdirahman Ibrahim was intent on causing harm to Liam. He could have turned off at any point but he followed the riders and wanted to be in control.
“This was not a case of racing gone wrong as had been claimed by Ibrahim, but of him menacingly pursuing Liam and his friend.
“We believe he was angered by Liam’s showboating and wanted to teach him a lesson. He knew what he had done and did nothing to help, instead driving off.
“Tragically, Liam lost his life and Ibrahim will now spend many years of his own young life in prison. Ibrahim’s brother may have felt a sense of loyalty, but by trying to help his sibling he is now also a convicted criminal.
“We know Liam’s death caused a lot of concern within the community and our detectives have worked tirelessly – reviewing hours upon hours of CCTV footage and phone records – to ensure we achieved these convictions.
“While nothing will ever bring Liam back, we hope knowing those involved have been caught and are being punished will provide some solace to his family and friends.”
