A Birmingham motorist has been sentenced to prison after unleashing an arsenal of fireworks from his vehicle during a terrifying high-speed police pursuit that reached 140mph. The incident, which unfolded on the roads of Cardiff, has resulted in significant legal consequences for the driver involved.
Dangerous Display on Cardiff Roads
Ahmed Kadoora, a 34-year-old resident of Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, was operating a black Audi RS6 on November 2 last year when he engaged in reckless behaviour that endangered multiple road users. According to court proceedings, Kadoora was observed holding a device out of the driver's window that discharged fireworks into the night sky while navigating through traffic.
Simultaneously, his passenger positioned himself precariously on the frame of the open passenger window, with his upper body extending above the vehicle's roof line, similarly launching pyrotechnics. This dangerous spectacle occurred along the A4232 in Cardiff, creating substantial hazards for other motorists and pedestrians in the vicinity.
High-Speed Pursuit Ensues
When police officers on patrol illuminated their blue lights and signalled for the Audi to pull over, Kadoora responded by accelerating dramatically rather than complying with the lawful instruction. What followed was an intense high-speed chase through Cardiff's road network, with the defendant reaching velocities of 140mph during the pursuit.
The fleeing vehicle raced through the Queensgate tunnel and along the A4232 through Culverhouse Cross before approaching junction 33 of the M4 motorway. At this point, Kadoora nearly lost control of the powerful Audi before managing to join the motorway, demonstrating extremely dangerous driving behaviour throughout the incident.
Apprehension and Legal Proceedings
Although pursuing officers temporarily lost visual contact with the vehicle, the National Police Air Service helicopter successfully tracked the Audi to an industrial estate car park. Ground units directed to the location discovered the vehicle partially concealed by bushes, and Kadoora attempted to flee on foot before being apprehended by officers.
During subsequent legal proceedings at Newport Crown Court, it emerged that Kadoora had travelled from Birmingham to Cardiff to attend an Islamic wedding celebration. His defence counsel explained that other vehicles associated with the wedding were using celebratory devices, and Kadoora's passenger had brought fireworks which both individuals proceeded to discharge from the moving vehicle.
Criminal History and Sentencing
The court heard concerning details about Kadoora's previous criminal record, which includes convictions for:
- Robbery offences
- Driving while disqualified
- Possession of an offensive weapon
- Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs
Most significantly, Kadoora had been released on licence in May 2024 from an eight-year prison sentence imposed in 2022 for running an organised crime group that distributed cocaine and heroin across Birmingham and Worcester. This background informed the court's approach to sentencing for the recent offences.
Judicial Response and Penalties
Appearing at Cardiff Crown Court on February 5 for sentencing, Kadoora received an eight-month prison term and was disqualified from driving for two years and four months. He was additionally ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £187. The judge emphasised the seriousness of the offences during the sentencing remarks.
Recorder Jonathan Rees stated unequivocally that Kadoora had prioritised his fear of returning to prison over the safety of other road users, describing the driving as terrifying and demonstrating complete disregard for public safety. While acknowledging potential for rehabilitation, the judge determined that the severity of the offences warranted immediate custody rather than a suspended sentence.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences that can result from combining reckless driving with the dangerous use of fireworks on public roads. The incident highlights the risks posed to innocent road users when individuals engage in such irresponsible behaviour while operating motor vehicles.
