Disqualified driver jailed after dangerous Rochdale pursuit

A disqualified driver who led officers on a dangerous pursuit through Rochdale at speeds more than three times the limit has been sentenced to 16 months in prison and banned from driving for a further five years.

Bilal Ishaq (27/05/1992) of Hey Street, Rochdale led officers on a dangerous pursuit before being caught and arrested.

The incident began on 25 September on Foxholes Road, Rochdale when officers attempted to stop a vehicle linked to suspected drug dealing.

The driver failed to stop and instead, drove off, leading officers on a pursuit through the town. During the pursuit, he drove at excessive speeds, ran red lights, drove on the wrong side of the road and attempted to reverse into pursuing police vehicles on two occasions.

Despite crashing his vehicle, Ishaq then attempted to flee on foot before being detained and arrested by officers.

He was subsequently charged with dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, failing to stop and driving without insurance.

Appearing at court, he pleaded guilty to all offences. He has now been sentenced to 16 months' imprisonment and disqualified from driving for five years.

The offender was already subject to two driving disqualifications imposed by Crown Court in January 2026 following a separate dangerous driving incident in December 2025.

Police Constable Matt Balkwell from our Motorcycle Unit said: "This was an extremely dangerous piece of driving that put members of the public, officers and other road users at significant risk.

"Despite already being disqualified from driving, he chose to get behind the wheel and then attempted to evade police by driving recklessly through Rochdale at excessive speeds.

"His actions could easily have resulted in serious injury or loss of life. Thanks to the professionalism and determination of our officers involved, he was safely detained and has now been held accountable for his actions.

"We will continue to pursue those who think they can disregard the law and endanger our communities."