Lamar Anderson, a 22-year-old from Selly Oak, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for shooting a 15-year-old boy in the back in a case of mistaken identity. The incident occurred in Balsall Heath on August 2 last year.
Details of the Crime
The Birmingham Crown Court heard how Anderson, who had no previous convictions, became involved in a fight outside Amex Wines in Balsall Heath with Elyas Kaid. Instead of walking away, Anderson armed himself with a gun and, along with friends Jeheim Wilson and Kaine Dowe, went hunting for revenge.
At George Street Park, Anderson mistook an innocent 15-year-old boy on an electric bike for his intended target and opened fire. The victim survived but suffered broken bones in his spine and a lung wound. The bullet remains lodged in his body, as doctors believe removing it would cause further damage.
Anderson's Background
The court heard that Anderson's tragic childhood—visiting his imprisoned father at six months old before the man was deported to Jamaica—has now repeated itself with his own son. His barrister, Jasvir Mann, described Anderson as showing "lack of maturity, poor decision-making, poor conflict resolution and susceptibility to impulsivity." Anderson "acknowledges the senseless and terrible crime he's committed" and takes "full responsibility."
Sentences for Accomplices
Jeheim Wilson, 25, was jailed for six-and-a-half years, and Kaine Dowe, 24, received six years for firearm offences. Anderson will serve at least 10-11 years before being considered for release.
