Three sentenced after shotgun and knives seized following attempted robbery in Birmingham
Main article content
Three men have been sentenced to more than 30 years in prison, after our investigation into an attempted robbery in Small Heath led to the discovery of a shotgun and several knives.
Our enquiries began after a man was threatened and hurt by three armed men on Somerville Road, on 20 July last year.
They demanded his keys and money, but thankfully he did not suffer serious injuries.
Our officers were immediately on the case – working to establish who was responsible.
Detectives were quickly able to identify a vehicle suspected of being involved in the incident, which was found around half an hour later, less than a mile away, at an address on Fourth Avenue.
A search of that address led to the discovery of a shotgun, hidden in a gas meter cupboard.
A further search of a vehicle linked to the investigation also saw two machetes recovered, while a zombie knife and lock knife were also seized as part of the investigation.
Two Birmingham men were arrested in the following weeks , and a third was arrested trying to leave the country.
Following subsequent enquiries, all were charged with various offences and sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court last Friday (1 May).
Luqman Yusuf, 23, of Deakins Road, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, possession of a firearm, and two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. He was jailed for 13 years and two months.
Sahil Ali, 19, of Newland Road, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, possession of a firearm, possession of offensive weapons including a machete and zombie knife, and possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs. He was jailed for 10 years and two months.
Abdirahmaan Hussein, 23, of Arthur Street, failed to attend the trial but was found guilty of attempted robbery, possession of a firearm, and possession of an offensive weapon. He was sentenced to eight years.
Hussein was sentenced in his absence after failing to attend court, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Det Con Sam Higginson, from our Major Crime Unit, said: “We acted quickly following the initial attempted robbery report, and that investigative work ultimately led to dangerous weapons being seized and three offenders arrested.
“Our team of officers worked hard to bring the three to justice, and we are pleased to see they have been given these sentences for their crimes.”
Major Crime Det Insp Ian Wilkins added: “We are clear that drugs and weapons have no place on the streets of the West Midlands, and we have teams of officers working relentlessly to combat serious and organised crime.
“This investigation shows how we work at pace to target offenders, disrupting, arresting, and charging them – and seizing the weapons they are using.
“This work doesn’t stop, and I would urge anyone with information about this type of crime to contact us.”
Operation Target is our forcewide campaign against serious and organised forms of crime like firearms and drugs.