Three men have been jailed for a combined total of more than 30 years after a shotgun and knives were seized following an attempted robbery in Birmingham. West Midlands Police confirmed that the investigation began after a man was threatened and injured by three armed individuals on Somerville Road in Small Heath on July 20 last year.
The victim was confronted by the trio who demanded his keys and money. Fortunately, he did not suffer serious injuries. Detectives quickly identified a vehicle believed to be involved in the incident, which was located approximately half an hour later at an address on Fourth Avenue, less than a mile from the scene.
Weapons Seized During Searches
A search of the property led to the discovery of a shotgun concealed in a gas meter cupboard. Additionally, a vehicle linked to the investigation yielded two machetes, while a zombie knife and a lock knife were also recovered.
Two Birmingham men were arrested in the weeks that followed, and a third was apprehended while attempting to leave the country. All were charged and subsequently sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday, May 1.
Sentences Handed Down
Luqman Yusuf, 23, of Deakins Road, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, possession of a firearm, and two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. He received a sentence of 13 years and two months.
Sahil Ali, 19, of Newland Road, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, possession of a firearm, possession of offensive weapons including a machete and zombie knife, and possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs. He was sentenced to 10 years and two months.
Abdirahmaan Hussein, 23, of Arthur Street, was found guilty in his absence of attempted robbery, possession of a firearm, and possession of an offensive weapon. He was sentenced to eight years. A warrant has been issued for his arrest after he failed to attend court.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Sam Higginson commented: "We acted quickly following the initial attempted robbery report, and that investigative work ultimately led to dangerous weapons being seized and three offenders arrested. Our team of officers worked hard to bring the three to justice, and we are pleased to see they have been given these sentences for their crimes."
Major Crime Detective Inspector Ian Wilkins added: "We are clear that drugs and weapons have no place on the streets of the West Midlands, and we have teams of officers working relentlessly to combat serious and organised crime. This investigation shows how we work at pace to target offenders, disrupting, arresting, and charging them – and seizing the weapons they are using. This work doesn’t stop, and I would urge anyone with information about this type of crime to contact us."
