He was thrown from BMW which smashed into a tree after the car was followed by police in October 2023
The wreckage of a car after the crash in Island Road, Handsworth
A driver killed when his BMW crashed into a tree after being followed by police was over the drink-drive limit and speeding at the time, an inquest heard.
Muhammad Qasim, 29, died of “catastrophic” head injuries at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham early on October 2, 2023 after his car failed to negotiate a left-hand bend and crashed into a tree on a central reservation on Island Road in Handsworth.
An inquest into his death at Birmingham Coroner’s Court heard Mr Qasim’s vehicle came to the attention of police shortly before the collision and was being followed by a police car but that the hearing would determine whether or not the officer was in a pursuit.
The first day of the eight-day inquest in front of a jury was told Mr Qasim did not have his seatbelt on at the time of the crash and was thrown from the blue BMW, landing 30 to 40 metres away on the road.
He suffered extensive injuries to his brain, thoracic region, pelvis and legs which were deemed unsurvivable after arriving at hospital at 3.15am. He died later that day surrounded by his family.
A post-mortem toxicology report found evidence of recent cannabis use, as well as an alcohol level of 115mg per 100ml of blood – the legal limit being 80mg per 100ml.
His BMW was caught on CCTV travelling at between approximately 45.5mph and 47mph on the 30mph road around 120 metres before the crash.
The scene of the collision in Island Road, Handsworth
A back-seat male passenger was injured and trapped in the vehicle, while a front seat female passenger managed to climb out of the BMW, and both were also taken to hospital.
Asked by senior coroner Louise Hunt whether speed and alcohol were what caused the collision, Det Sgt Paul Hughes, senior investigating officer in the serious collision investigation unit at West Midlands Police, said: “It has to be considered as a causal factor, we don’t know exactly what the speed was but those sort of approach speeds may have been a factor in the inability to navigate that bend.
“If you are driving at an inappropriate speed while intoxicated, in a way your thinking slows down. You’re travelling quicker than normal but you’re thinking slower.”
The inquest, being heard in front of a jury of four men and seven women, was told the police officer who was following Mr Qasim at the time of the collision had picked up food from McDonald’s and was heading back to Park Lane police station when the BMW came to their attention.
The officers inside the police vehicle are expected to give evidence at the inquest on Thursday to explain what prompted them to turn their vehicle around on Church Lane and follow Mr Qasim’s car.
Mark Barratt, who was first on the scene of the collision from West Midlands Ambulance Service, said in a statement there were “general conversations about how the incident happened” at the scene.
He said there was mention of the BMW travelling “at speed” in the opposite direction to the police officer and that they had turned to follow it, but that there was no mention of them being in pursuit.
Mrs Hunt told the jury the inquest would examine the events leading to the collision, the manner of driving of the officer and Mr Qasim, whether the events amounted to a police pursuit and if so, if it was compliant with West Midlands Police practice standards and general guidance and whether there was any relevance to the manner of the driving of the police officer and Mr Qasim to the cause of his death.
In a tribute to Mr Qasim read out by Mrs Hunt, his family said he loved nature and was known for his generosity and warm smile.
Referring to him as Qasim, they said: “He was a kind-hearted and selfless man who at just 29 left a deep and lasting mark on the lives of many.
“He was known for his quiet generosity, offering help and showing care in the smallest of ways.
“His genuine smile and warm nature made people feel instantly at ease. He shared a close bond with his two young brothers and three older sisters.
“Qasim was someone who showed loyalty, compassion and empathy in all areas.”
They added: “He found peace in the outdoors taking time to be in nature.
“As a family we are heartbroken to find out he had died. It has left all our family and all who knew him devastated.
“Though his time was far too short, his kindness, friendship and love he gave so freely will always be remembered.”
The inquest continues.