A gang of violent burglars, including a man from Rowley Regis, has been sentenced to a total of over 30 years in prison for a series of terrifying home invasions in the West Midlands, during which victims were threatened with machetes.
Details of the attacks
The gang targeted homes in Birmingham, Sandwell, and Dudley between November 2021 and February 2022. In each incident, they forced their way into properties while occupants were inside, brandishing machetes and other weapons to intimidate and steal cash, jewellery, and mobile phones.
One victim, a 60-year-old woman in Smethwick, was pushed to the ground and had a machete held to her throat while the gang ransacked her home. Another victim, a man in his 50s in Dudley, was struck with a machete and suffered a serious arm injury.
The perpetrators
The gang members sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 14 March 2025 include:
- Shane O'Brien, 28, of Rowley Regis, was jailed for 9 years for conspiracy to commit burglary.
- Kyle Jones, 27, of Tipton, received 8 years for the same offence.
- Darren Harper, 31, of West Bromwich, was sentenced to 7 years.
- Liam O'Shea, 25, of Dudley, got 6 years.
All four pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary. Detective Constable Sarah Williams of West Midlands Police said: "These were planned and violent attacks that left victims terrified in their own homes. The gang showed no regard for the trauma they caused, and we are pleased they are now behind bars."
Impact on victims
The victims have been left with lasting psychological scars. One victim, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I can't sleep at night. Every noise makes me think they're coming back. They took my sense of security."
Detective Constable Williams added: "We hope these sentences bring some closure to the victims and send a clear message that such violent crime will not be tolerated in the West Midlands."
