Drink-Driver Jailed After Dangerous M6 Hard Shoulder Chase
Akeem Rafiq has been locked up for 35 weeks after a terrifying police chase on the M6’s hard shoulder. The 29-year-old was caught drink-driving for the second time, smashing safety rules and putting lives at risk.
Reckless Speeding and Dangerous Overtakes
On December 3, Rafiq was spotted entering the motorway at Junction 6 behind the wheel of a yellow Audi. He then swerved across solid white lines, dangerously overtaking and undertaking traffic at high speed. But the madness didn’t stop there.
Rafiq sped along the closed hard shoulder between J6 and J7, refusing to stop for police. When officers finally caught up, they detected a strong smell of alcohol. He was arrested under Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act.
Failed Breath Test and Heavy Penalties
In custody, Rafiq refused to provide a breath sample without reasonable excuse. The court responded swiftly:
- 35 weeks in prison
- 48-month driving ban
- £185 court costs
- £187 victim surcharge
Rafiq, from Minstead Road, Erdington, faces a lengthy road to redemption.
Police Warn: Drink Driving Risks Everyone
“Drink driving is a risk for everyone, not just the driver themselves,” said PC Jim Barry of the Central Motorway Police Group.
“This conviction sends a strong message about how seriously we take these incidents. What Rafiq did was incredibly dangerous and could have caused serious injury or death.
“Remember, even if you haven’t had a drink since the night before, you can still be over the limit the next morning.”
West Midlands Police are ramping up efforts to crack down on drink and drug driving this winter. The campaign aims to keep all road users safe during the festive season and beyond.
