Birmingham Gunman and Driver Wave Goodbye to Their 20s and 30s After New Year's Day Shooting
Christ Lidiu, aged 26, and Exauce Mazebo, aged 24, were both described as promising young men before they were convicted of attempted murder. The pair have been handed huge prison terms after a shooting in the city centre on New Year's Day, marking a stark fall from grace.
Details of the Incident
Christ Lidiu and Exauce Mazebo were involved in a disorder outside 44 Lounge in Howard Street, Birmingham, in the early hours of January 1, 2024. They then drove to Lidiu's home in Handsworth to retrieve a pistol before swiftly returning to the scene. When they arrived, Lidiu got out and chased the victim before firing a single shot, which hit his target in the shoulder. The victim then ran into a passing car but managed to escape with his life.
Court Sentencing and Reactions
At Birmingham Crown Court today, Tuesday, Lidiu was sentenced to 27 years for being the 'principal' offender, while Mazebo received 22 years as an 'accessory'. Both will serve two-thirds of their terms in custody, meaning they will spend the rest of their 20s and most of their 30s behind bars. The pair were seen laughing and joking in the dock before the hearing and then afterwards they waved and smiled towards people in the public gallery as they were sent down to the cells.
Judge Andrew Smith Kc said: "A disorder developed for reasons the evidence cannot explain. You fought with others but the scale of the disorder was out of all proportion with what was to follow. By the time you drove back towards the home address of Mr Lidiu I am satisfied you both began to plan your return with a firearm. There can be no other explanation for the swift and decisive steps you both took."
Judge Smith added: "Your reasons for your joint actions to kill were not clear. But your determination to achieve that is."
Background of the Defendants
Lidiu has previous convictions for disposing of firearm cartridges after a shooting and violent disorder. He was once associated with the Erdington-based gang known as the 23 Drillas. Haroon Khattak, defending, stated that 'immaturity' contributed to his deficiencies in decision-making and consequential thinking.
He added: "In secondary school, he obtained good qualifications and studied mechanical engineering in college. He played semi-professional football. He was a relatively young man with very bright prospects. He still has some career ambitions in music and is considering undertaking an Open University degree in mechanics." Mr Khattak added he was a father to a step-daughter as well as his own daughter, whose birth he missed because he had been remanded into custody.
Sarah Vine, defending Mazebo, said: "He is a young man who had a difficult start in life, he lost his mother at an early age as well as moved from his country of birth. Against that background his achievements are all the more impressive and worthy of acknowledgement." She added the incident was a 'stark departure from his character', according to people who had provided references.
Ms Vine continued: "He is described by one as a person of genuine character of boundless passion and unparalleled kindness. He impresses academically, impresses as a sportsman, a partner, a brother and a friend."
