Student jailed for part in killing

A law student who was part of a gang convicted of killing a Sedgley father-of-five in a terrifying string of robberies was today jailed for 11 years.

Kashia Allen’s sentence was met with anger by the brother of victim Andrew Owen who said it wasn’t “justice” after it emerged she will be eligible for parole in less than five years.

Allen, who was the getaway driver, was found guilty of manslaughter and five robberies across the Black Country and Shropshire at a previous hearing. She was back at Wolverhampton Crown Court back for sentencing today. 

Her accomplices, illegal immigrants Gabriel Bhengu, aged 27, and Jabu Mbowane, 26, were jailed for life after they were found guilty of murdering Mr Owen and Telford man Neil Williams in the spree. Bhengu and Mbowane, of Court Road, Newbridge, Wolverhampton, were told they would spend at least 30 years in prison. 

Allen, aged 23, of Crosby Close, Farndale, Wolverhampton, was sentenced to 11 years for manslaughter and nine years for the robberies. The sentences are to run concurrently. The Wolverhampton University student had denied the charges and had been cleared of murder at an earlier hearing. 

Judge Mr Justice Goldring told Allen the 433 days she has already spent in custody would be taken off the jail term so effectively she will be eligible for parole in less than five years.

He said: “Kashia Allen you were involved in these offences from the outset and I’m sure that you were a full member of the team.

“I have no doubt that before robberies were committed there was discussion in which you were involved as to what in broad terms would happen.

“On the last occasion when the three of you drove and it resulted in death I have no doubt that you were driving looking for a likely victim.”

 Andrew Owen’s brother Chris, speaking after today’s hearing, said he was disappointed with the sentence.

“That isn’t justice and I was hoping for something more like 25 years. 

“She will be able to apply for parole in about five years and in my opinion they may as well have sent her on a cruise.”