Gang Who Shot At Police Sentenced

Six men have been given sentences of up to 30 years for their involvement in a gun attack on police during last summer’s riots.

A gang of over 40 men, mostly wearing masks or hoods, firebombed the Bartons Arms pub in Aston. It is believed the men attacked the pub to lure police into the area.

When a large number of police responded they were pelted with bricks, steel tubes and furniture before officers heard gunshots and were forced to take cover before being given the order to retreat for their own safety.

The court heard police realised they were being shot at when they heard the windows of the building behind them being smashed by gun fire.

Shortly afterwards the gang ran off and at one point a member of the group aimed a handgun at the police helicopter and fired a shot. Other members of the group then appeared to hand him more ammunition.

Judge William Davis said: "The intention was to endanger life. Although no physical injury was suffered, that was wholly a matter of luck. Had the police helicopter been struck, the consequences could have been catastrophic. There may have been no physical injury to a police officer, but the damage to the wellbeing of the city of Birmingham caused by an armed gang prepared to act in this way was grave. It is very difficult to conceive a case of this type more serious than this one."

Six men were sentenced on Thursday at the end of a six-week trial – including Nicholas Francis, 26, who was sentenced to 30 years and was described by the judge as "clearly a dangerous man".

Jermaine Lewis, 27, was jailed for 23 years, Tyrone Laidley, 20, was also jailed for 23 years while Renardo Farrell, 20, and Wayne Collins, 25, were both jailed for 18 years.

A 17-year-old, who can be named as Amirul Rehman after the judge lifted an order, was jailed for 12 years. Francis, Lewis, Laidley, Farrell, and Collins were convicted of riot, reckless arson and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Rehman was found guilty of riot and firearms possession with intent.

(H)