Reece Allamby, a 28-year-old father of three, has been jailed for five-and-a-half years after police discovered a loaded pistol hidden in his family home in Bartley Green, Birmingham. The gun, complete with ammunition, was found on top of a wardrobe in a bedroom where his children slept.
Police Raid Uncovers Loaded Pistol
Officers raided Allamby's home in Rush Green on October 20 last year, uncovering the black self-loading pistol in a man-bag, along with ammunition in a KFC bag. They also found a large quantity of cash, cannabis, and mobile phones. Allamby pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited firearm without a certificate and possession of ammunition. He appeared at Birmingham Crown Court from HMP Birmingham on July 23 for sentencing.
In addition to the firearms offences, Allamby was sentenced for his role in an affray incident in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter in August 2023, to which he had also pleaded guilty.
Affray Incident in Jewellery Quarter
Prosecutor Maninder Chaggar told the court that Allamby drove a Ford C-Max that followed a man to his workplace. Two men exited the vehicle and attacked the victim, attempting to steal items. They grabbed his clothing, ripping his T-shirt, and tried to trip him, causing him to fall into the road. The victim ran into a shop for safety as the vehicle sped away. Allamby was the driver.
Defence Cites Burglary Fear and Difficult Upbringing
Defending, Jeevan Mann argued that Allamby had been 'recruited by others' and was only the driver in the affray. He noted that Allamby pleaded guilty to the gun offence on the basis there was 'no criminal purpose to acquire the gun.' Instead, Allamby claimed he obtained it due to being a victim of a previous armed burglary, providing a crime reference number as evidence.
Mann described Allamby's challenging upbringing: his mother died when he was 12, and his father was largely absent during his teenage years. However, after a previous prison stint, Allamby had turned his life around: he entered a long-term relationship, had three children, and played an active role in their childcare. He also started a gardening business with friends. 'He is described as a present and devoted father, and a polite and helpful individual,' Mann said. 'He is still relatively young, has a young family, and ultimately, they will be the ones who suffer from his inevitable custodial sentence.'
Judge's Sentencing Remarks
Judge Lubega told Allamby: 'You said you had been the victims of a burglary, perpetrated by individuals who were armed. You said you were fearful of the safety for yourself and your family.' Regarding the affray, the judge noted that Allamby drove the vehicle and two men attacked the victim, attempting to take items. The judge acknowledged Allamby's difficult background and efforts to reform but pointed to his lack of remorse for the three serious offences. Allamby was sentenced to a total of five-and-a-half years in prison.
The case highlights the dangers of illegal firearms in family homes and the serious consequences of violent group offences. Allamby's children, who were present in the house during the gun's concealment, will now face the impact of his long imprisonment.
