Birmingham Gunman Receives Extended Prison Sentence for Handsworth Shooting
A Birmingham gunman has been handed a substantial prison sentence after shooting a father in the stomach during a violent confrontation over a drug deal. Tyrone Solomon, aged 47, was sentenced to 19 years in prison with an additional five-year licence period, following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
Drug Deal Dispute Turns Violent
The incident occurred in the early hours of February 1, 2024, on Hamstead Road in Handsworth. Solomon had arranged to purchase drugs from Ibrar Hussain, who arrived in a Volkswagen Golf. According to court proceedings, Solomon believed he had been "short-changed" during the transaction involving crack cocaine.
Judge Paul Farrer KC detailed how the confrontation escalated: "Mr Hussain's passenger took your money and then told you he was only going to give you six wraps of crack as opposed to the nine you had just paid for. He suggested this was because the woman with you owed him an outstanding debt. You wanted your money back and became angry. In those circumstances you produced your firearm."
Struggle Leads to Shooting
During the ensuing struggle over the weapon, the firearm discharged, striking Mr Hussain in the abdomen. The victim managed to transport himself to hospital where he underwent life-saving surgery. Medical professionals indicated he would likely have died within three to five days without immediate medical intervention.
More than two years after the shooting, Mr Hussain continues to suffer from mobility issues and mental health challenges, with the bullet remaining lodged in his body.
Arrest and Previous Criminal History
Police arrested Solomon at his Hamstead Road address three days after the shooting. During the arrest, he attempted to escape through a ground floor window and discarded the loaded firearm in a garden, where officers recovered it.
The court heard that Solomon has accumulated 40 previous offenses, beginning when he was just 14 years old. Three of these prior convictions involved firearm possession. West Midlands Police had issued several "Wanted" appeals for Solomon in recent years.
Judge's Stern Warning
Judge Farrer delivered a strong condemnation of Solomon's behavior: "You are a man who has demonstrated a determination to possess firearms and ammunition over the last 25 years. The author of the probation report states 'the nature of the current and previous convictions indicate you have both the propensity and capability to cause serious harm to the public and known adults.' You present a very high risk of serious harm to the public. I agree with that. You are presently and are likely to remain a danger to those who cross you."
Defense Arguments and Verdict
Solomon was cleared of attempted murder and wounding with intent but found guilty of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. Defense barrister Gwynn Price Rowlands argued that Solomon did not intend to shoot Mr Hussain or cause serious harm, stating his client had accompanied a "sad, vulnerable drug user" to the meeting and that circumstances deteriorated when he discovered a possible relationship between the woman and someone in the car.
The jury ultimately rejected the prosecution's claim that Solomon deliberately aimed and fired at Mr Hussain, instead accepting that the shooting occurred during a struggle over the weapon.
