Dudley Gang Sentenced to Over 80 Years for Horror Shooting of Mother
A criminal gang responsible for a terrifying shooting in Dudley, which resulted in a mother being blasted through her front door, has been locked up for a combined total of more than 80 years. The incident, which occurred in the Black Country, left the victim with life-altering injuries after she was struck by a bullet while innocently walking downstairs to get milk for her child.
Details of the Attack and Court Proceedings
The shooting took place on Priory Road in Dudley shortly after 12:15 AM on July 3 of last year. According to evidence presented at Worcester Crown Court, the gang, led by Kile Straker, drove past the victim's home three times in a grey Audi before firing five shots in rapid succession. One bullet penetrated the front door, hitting the mother in her 20s and lodging in her hip, where it remains due to the dangers of surgical removal.
Judge Andrew Lockhart KC, during sentencing on Thursday, March 26, described the attack as a premeditated plan by a criminal gang with intent to kill. He stated that Straker had decided someone needed to die and targeted the address, though the victim was not believed to be the intended target. The judge emphasized that it was only by the grace of God that the woman was not killed.
Sentences Handed Down to the Gang Members
The court handed out severe sentences to the perpetrators involved in this brutal crime:
- Kile Straker, 35, of Armstrong Drive, Wolverhampton, received an extended sentence of 35 years, comprising 30 years in custody and an additional 5 years on licence. He was convicted of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and admitted to theft of a motor vehicle.
- Ethan Colbourne, 23, of Moat Road, Tipton, was jailed for 26 years after being convicted of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and admitting theft of a motor vehicle.
- Kieron Atkins, 27, of Upper Church Lane, Tipton, was sentenced to 28 years in prison for attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
- Stephen Simms, 25, of Alexandra Road, Tipton, received a 10-month jail term after admitting theft of a motor vehicle.
- Iranveer Gill, 29, of Bridgnorth Road, Shipley, was given an eight-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, after being convicted of theft of a motor vehicle.
Background of the Crime and Investigation
The grey Audi used in the shooting was stolen from a property in Wednesbury and parked on a car park in Weavers Rise, Dudley, in the early hours of July 2. Straker, who previously owned the vehicle, had retained a second key to facilitate its theft whenever needed. Around 11:45 PM, the Audi was driven from the car park to the scene of the shooting.
In a related case, Kye Everitt, of Daley Road, Wolverhampton, was jailed for 12 months last year after admitting theft of a motor vehicle. The victim, who suffered life-changing injuries, was rushed to the hospital following the attack. Judge Lockhart highlighted the gang's intent, stating they wanted to ensure the bullets found their mark and killed someone within the address, underscoring the severity of their actions.
