Three young men from Birmingham have been imprisoned as part of a violent gang handed a total of 82 years behind bars for a terrifying pre-planned robbery at a music studio.
A Pre-Planned Attack
The court heard how the group of eight criminals travelled by train from Birmingham to carry out a targeted assault on April 4, 2024. Their destination was a converted loft space being used as a music studio in Hereford. The attack was not spontaneous; examination of their mobile phones later proved the robbery had been meticulously planned in advance.
During the violent incident, the victim was held at knifepoint by Musa Hussain while another gang member, Cadaine July, punched him in the face. The others joined in the assault. In a brave attempt to protect family members who were also present, the victim fought back, wrestling on the stairs with Acaree Crossgill, who was armed with a zombie knife.
Violence and Theft
The victim's resistance was met with further brutality. Jahmya Farrell smashed a glass over his head, causing lacerations and an arterial bleed. After the gang fled, the victim's mother had to rush him to Accident and Emergency. He was left with two permanent scars on his head and ongoing mental health issues as a result of the traumatic event.
The assailants stole several high-value items during the robbery, including:
- A Canada Goose coat
- An Apple MacBook
- £800 in cash
- Two designer bags
- Two designer beanie hats
Subsequently, Cadaine July and Ethan Powell were found in possession of some of the stolen property.
Lengthy Sentences Handed Down
On Friday, December 12, seven of the robbers were sentenced at Worcester Crown Court by Judge Lockhart. The Birmingham men involved received substantial prison terms.
Caleb Barnes, 20, of Aylesbury Crescent, Birmingham, was convicted of robbery and grievous bodily harm after pleading not guilty. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Acaree Crossgill, 20, of Mere Road, Birmingham, also pleaded not guilty to robbery and grievous bodily harm. He received a 13-year sentence. A knife sheath found at the scene bore his DNA.
Esa Hussain, 19, of Vicarage Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham, was convicted after a not guilty plea and jailed for 11 years for robbery and grievous bodily harm.
The other gang members sentenced were:
- Musa Hussain, 20, of Rugby: 16 years for the robbery (20 years total including separate offences).
- Ethan Powell, 19, of Worcester: 11 years for the robbery (13 years total including a drug offence).
- Cadaine July, 18, of Stoke-on-Trent: 8 years and 6 months.
- Jahmya Farrell, 18, of Coventry: 8 years and 6 months.
An eighth defendant, a 16-year-old who cannot be named, is due to be sentenced on January 12, 2026.
Police Condemn Knife-Carrying Gang
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Lia Williams of Hereford CID stated: "We are pleased to get lengthy sentences for this knife-carrying gang who travelled into our city to carry out what was a planned violent robbery on their victim to steal high value items."
"Knives have no place on our streets. Carrying them can have devastating consequences and those who carry them can expect to feel the full force of the law," DC Williams added. The victim told police that four or five of the attackers were in possession of so-called zombie knives during the ordeal.
