By Jason King
Wednesday 19 February 2025
Two Men Convicted After Senseless Road Rage Murder
A driver who deliberately chased down and killed an e-bike rider in Birmingham in a chilling act of road rage has been convicted of murder.
Abdirahman Ibrahim, 21, pursued Liam Jones, 22, through the streets of Yardley before ramming his bike twice and sending him crashing into a concrete bollard. Liam suffered fatal chest and abdominal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The attack was apparently triggered by Ibrahim’s anger at Liam performing a wheelie. Moments earlier, Ibrahim had spotted him and a friend riding e-bikes on Coventry Road just after 11:30pm on August 1, 2023. Turning his Seat Leon around at a roundabout, he began tailing them.
At first, none of the vehicles were travelling at speed. But after Liam’s ‘showboating,’ Ibrahim’s pursuit became more aggressive. The cyclists attempted to escape, even riding the wrong way down a one-way street, but Ibrahim relentlessly chased them down Moat Lane.
He struck Liam’s bike twice, sending him into the bollard. Showing complete disregard for the dying victim, Ibrahim then drove over the wrecked e-bike, made a U-turn, and fled.
Instead of reporting the incident, Ibrahim parked his car in Sparkbrook while his brother and passenger, Abdullahi Ibrahim, 21, called a taxi. The pair even stopped at a shop on Coventry Road before splitting up. The Seat was later abandoned in Hingeston Street near the Jewellery Quarter.
West Midlands Police quickly identified the car and visited the brothers’ home in Yardley. Ibrahim lied repeatedly, claiming the vehicle had been parked elsewhere hours earlier.
He later admitted manslaughter, but prosecutors rejected his plea, pursuing a murder charge instead. A jury at Birmingham Crown Court found him guilty on Monday, February 17. His brother had already pleaded guilty to assisting an offender and will be sentenced alongside him on March 26.
Detective Inspector Nick Barnes, from the homicide unit, said: “Abdirahman Ibrahim was intent on causing harm to Liam. He followed the riders when he could have turned off at any point.
“This was not a case of racing gone wrong, but of menacing pursuit. 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.”
ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and Sentencing
As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:
UNDERSTANDING MURDER AND SENTENCING
As part of our campaign to improve public understanding of UK criminal law, we explain the legal principles behind major cases.
In England and Wales, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of a person with intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm. Unlike manslaughter, which can involve mitigating factors such as diminished responsibility or provocation, murder requires clear intent.
In this case, Abdirahman Ibrahim initially admitted to manslaughter, but prosecutors pursued a murder charge, arguing that his prolonged pursuit and deliberate ramming of Liam Jones demonstrated intent to cause serious harm. The jury agreed, convicting him of murder.
Murder carries a mandatory life sentence, but judges set a minimum term before parole can be considered. The length depends on aggravating factors, such as premeditation and attempts to evade justice, both of which featured in this case. Once released, a convicted murderer remains on licence for life and can be recalled to prison if they breach conditions.
This case highlights how deliberate, sustained acts of violence are treated under UK law and serves as a reminder that reckless aggression on the roads can lead to the most serious criminal consequences.
Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.
Jason King
Birmingham City-Desk
Twitter (X) @JasonKingNews
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