Top West Midlands judge condemns local criminals' 'total disregard for public safety' after tragic Black Country shooting
A top West Midlands judge has condemned local criminals 'total disregard for the safety' for their community after a father was shot in broad daylight in the Black Country.
Justice Michael Chambers KC jailed five men for over 65 years for helping a mystery gunman shoot Nadeem Khan on his driveway in Darlaston on Friday, October 12, 2024.
Using his sentencing remarks to highlight the frightening regularity of cases involving armed violence at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
He said: "This is another case in the West Midlands when a dispute between two factions has been attempted to be resolved through a shooting in broad day light with no regard or fear about the impact on the community.
"This time it was in the streets of Darlaston which Nadeem Khan was shot just after he returned from the school run which by inference showed you knew he had children
"It would be retribution on the streets of Darlaston in broad day light."
Mohammed Ishtiaq, Abdullah Amjad, Shamus Hussain, Samir Khan, and Dilawar Khan, all from Birmingham pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and causing grievous bodily harm with a shotgun. Their guilty pleas to reduced charges came on the second day of a five week conspiracy to murder trial last July.
Justice Chambers added: "The reasons for the shooting are best known to the defendants. Though we do not know the reason it is obvious you planned this with military precision.
"You had bought a double barrelled shotgun two weeks before and went on reconnaissance trips from Birmingham to Darlaston. They had originally planned to take place on Thursday, October 10 but he did not return home when you expected. So it took place the next day. Some of you were present on the first attempt but not the second, some were in the red Toyota when Mr Khan was shot.
"It is accepted by the crown that none of you were the actual shooter but that matters not. I am sentencing you all for roles in this conspiracy."
Shamus Hussain, 27, of Floyer Road, Small Heath, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months, Mohammed Ishtiaq, 23, of Oldknow Road, Small Heath, was jailed for 12 years and seven months and Abdullah Amjad, 23, of Allens Avenue, Winson Green, was handed 13 years and six months.
The youngest of the gang serve their time in young offenders institutions, Samir Khan, 19, of East Holme, Bordesley Green, was detained for 13 years and six months and Dilawar Khan, 20, of Mansel Road, Small Heath, was sent down for 13 years and six months.
Justice Chambers remarks follows fellow Black Country judge John Edwards KC raising the same issue last year.
When jailing gunman Leon Haughton to 32 years after he blasted a rival in a Dudley Park, Judge Edwards said: "There is a serious problem in the Black Country and Wolverhampton with gun crime. It is rising faster than elsewhere in the country at this time.
"Every time a gun is used in crime it further helps break down social cohesion. It instils a fear of loss of life in communities. It effects everyone, from local residents to local schools."