Birmingham Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 117 verdicts at Birmingham Crown Court (Birmingham). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Roman Le

Conspiracy to produce cannabis

July 30, 2025

Sentence: 6 years and 2 months imprisonment

Roman Le headed a gang that operated at least eight cannabis farms in residential and commercial properties, including a disused hotel in Clayton-le-Moors, Lancashire. He posed as a property developer to source and rent properties, using scaffolding to disguise the operations. The farms, staffed by exploited illegal migrants, produced cannabis worth millions of pounds. He was arrested on 4 November 2020 at his home in Birmingham.

Pleaded not guilty to conspiring to produce cannabis and was found guilty after an eight-day trial.

Sources: lancs.live

Imraj Randhawa

Possession with intent to supply class A drugs

July 23, 2025

Sentence: two and a half years imprisonment

Imraj Randhawa was observed supplying cocaine and heroin to known drug users in Bedworth, Warwickshire, just two days after starting his illegal activities. On October 15, police stopped him in his Ford Kuga, finding drugs worth around £200, a claw hammer, mobile phones, and cash in his car. Further searches at his home uncovered additional drugs, paraphernalia, weapons including a machete, and a list of contacts. He was still building his client base at the time of arrest.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply. Judge expressed sadness at the sentence and reduced it as much as possible, citing personal circumstances including job loss, brother's drug debt, and the defendant's own addiction to alcohol and cocaine.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Gary Henry

Fraudulent evasion of income tax

July 19, 2025

Sentence: Eight months imprisonment suspended for 21 months, including 30 days of rehabilitation activity and 150 hours of unpaid work

Gary Henry, a 58-year-old quality control manager at Jaguar Land Rover, was involved in an illegal tax evasion scam. He submitted bogus expenses claims to HM Revenue and Customs for the years 2016 to 2021, receiving nearly £32,000 in tax relief he was not entitled to. He was influenced by a man named Femi Mwangi, who allegedly acted as an accountant and took a 40 per cent commission. Henry ignored letters from HMRC on Mwangi's advice and retained his job at JLR.

Admitted being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of income tax. Burst into tears during sentencing and vowed to repay the money obtained.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Hareece Ali

Assault and Harassment

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 5.5 years imprisonment

Hareece Ali harassed and assaulted two former partners. For the first victim, he cut off a clump of her hair with a knife, threatened to throw acid in her face, and sent over 1,000 messages in a week, including threats and abusive language, while also using fake social media accounts. For the second victim, during their short relationship, he pressured her to spend £30,000 of her personal injury payout on him, punched her multiple times in various incidents, threatened to kill her friends and children, smashed her window, and threatened to bury her on the beach. He fled to Turkey but resumed the abuse upon returning to the UK.

Admitted two counts of harassment and three offences of assault. Judge described his behaviour as dreadful and revolting, and his lawyer noted he was brash and self-centred but had shown remorse.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Farzana Kauser

Importing cocaine

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 13 years and 4 months imprisonment

Farzana Kauser masterminded the smuggling of cocaine from Cancun, Mexico, to the UK by using her children as couriers. Between August and November 2024, the group made five trips, with the final one on November 11, 2024, involving her children carrying 180kg of cocaine with a street value of £14.4 million. The operation involved booking short trips to Amsterdam or Dublin, timing flights to coincide with those from Cancun, and passing through customs with unaccompanied suitcases loaded with drugs.

Pleaded guilty to importing 180 kilograms of cocaine. Led a family-based organised crime group, instructing her children on smuggling techniques.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Emma Rolls

Strangulation and Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm

July 17, 2025

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, 25 days rehabilitation activity, 200 hours unpaid work, and £120 compensation

Emma Rolls launched an unprovoked attack on Bethany Arris on March 16, 2025, at a house in Wiselack Place, Worcester, while the victim was collecting her belongings after ending a relationship. Rolls warned Arris to 'take that look off your face', then pushed her into a radiator, strangled her for 20 to 25 seconds causing difficulty in breathing and visible finger marks, grabbed her hair, punched her in the face and head several times, and kneed her, resulting in bruising, bleeding, and severe trauma to the victim.

Pleaded guilty to strangulation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Has a history of violence with 13 previous convictions, including nine offences against the person. Judge Sjolin Knight highlighted her unresolved childhood trauma and spared jail, urging her to seek therapy and change her behaviour.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Mohammed Wahid Mohammed

Rape

July 17, 2025

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment with an extended five-year licence

Mohammed Wahid Mohammed, a 22-year-old Syrian national and asylum seeker, was working illegally at Villa Supermarket in Handsworth when he encountered a 12-year-old girl who had run away from home on September 24, 2024. He groomed her by offering a vape, crisps, and a fizzy drink, then took her upstairs to a bedroom where he locked the door and repeatedly raped her, despite her stating she was only 12. The victim had initially pretended to be older. After the assault, she was rescued at a nearby takeaway by an Asian family, one of whom physically confronted the defendant. He was arrested shortly after and claimed the girl had consented, but this was invalid due to her age.

Admitted two counts of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13; found guilty by a jury of three charges of rape, which he had denied; Judge Roderick Henderson described him as a 'dangerous' offender and noted he exploited the victim due to her youth and vulnerability; he wept during the hearing.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Mohammed Ibrahim

Causing death by dangerous driving

July 16, 2025

Sentence: 13 years and 3 months imprisonment

Mohammed Ibrahim was racing another car at speeds up to 84mph in a 30mph zone on Boxing Day, 2023, in Shard End. He lost control of his BMW while overtaking, collided with a quad bike and then an oncoming MG carrying four generations of a family. This resulted in the deaths of Amanda Riley, 49, and Linda Philips, 72, at the scene, and serious injuries to other family members, including a fractured sternum, a broken leg requiring surgery, and bruising to the lungs. Ibrahim fled the scene but was later arrested.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Judge Paul Farrer KC condemned him for fleeing the scene and stated that he knew what he had done. He had no previous convictions and was described as having led a positive life prior to the incident.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

James Herlock-Green

Fraud by abuse of position

July 15, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 3 months imprisonment

James Herlock-Green, while serving as treasurer for an NHS Unison branch at Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, stole approximately £125,000 from union funds between 2019 and 2022. He misused the money, attempted to conceal his actions by providing incomplete financial records and lying about his employment status, and failed to honour a subsequent repayment agreement. The theft involved drawing cheques from the branch account to himself or his partner, and it was uncovered during an investigation prompted by concerns over financial management.

Pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position. Blamed gambling habit, but judge stated the excuse was 'not good enough'. References highlighted his good character and efforts to change since the offending was discovered.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Adrian Edwards

Attempted Robbery

July 14, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 7 months imprisonment

Adrian Edwards, aged 45, targeted a Budgens shop in Edgbaston on January 31, attempting to steal two 5kg bags of rice and a bottle of milk. He reacted aggressively when stopped, pulling out a knife and trying to 'saw' a worker's wrist during a struggle, then escaped by diving under the shutters. He returned to the same shop on February 4 to steal more rice. He also targeted several Tesco stores in a five-week spree, stealing rice, fabric softener, and other items on dates including February 15, 21, 28, and March 3 and 7, often reacting aggressively when challenged. He was arrested on March 9 while sleeping in a bus stop in Handsworth. His actions caused fear and demoralisation among staff and negatively impacted the stores' brand image.

Admitted attempted robbery, six counts of theft and one offence of possessing cannabis. Had 26 previous convictions, mostly for theft. Defence noted he was living a chaotic life, sleeping rough, and using drugs out of desperation. Judge commended the bravery of victims and acknowledged remorse.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Aairus Rehman

Attempted Murder

July 11, 2025

Sentence: 22 years imprisonment

Aairus Rehman, along with Shomari Mapp and Shaquon Richardson-Bowen, arrived at Glendower Road in Perry Barr in a stolen Skoda around 11pm on May 18, 2024. Rehman fired three shots at the home of Eian and Helena Lothian, one of which shattered an upstairs window, striking Mr Lothian with glass. The group had conducted reconnaissance earlier, including following Mrs Lothian, and set fire to the Skoda afterwards to cover their tracks. The motive for the attack remains unknown, and the victims, who share the home with their two daughters and grandson, reported ongoing fear and trauma.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Amjad Alshameri

Attempting sexual communication with a child

July 11, 2025

Sentence: 18-month community order with 30 days rehabilitation activity and 100 hours unpaid work

Amjad Alshameri, using the Snapchat username 'Mo.Million07', contacted an undercover police officer posing as a 13-year-old girl named 'Liv'. He asked about her age, whether she liked older men, requested photographs, commented on her appearance, asked if she liked muscles after sending a gym photo, inquired if she was a 'naughty girl', and discussed topics including whether she was ready for sex and her previous relationships. This occurred on April 15, 2025, and he was linked to the account via his mobile number.

Pleaded guilty to the charge. Judge followed probation's recommendation for a community order instead of imprisonment, based on a pre-sentence report.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Shaquon Richardson-Bowen

Attempted Murder

July 11, 2025

Sentence: 20 years imprisonment

Shaquon Richardson-Bowen, along with Aairus Rehman and Shomari Mapp, arrived at Glendower Road in Perry Barr in a stolen Skoda around 11pm on May 18, 2024. Richardson-Bowen was armed with a knife and damaged a car on the driveway during the attack on the home of Eian and Helena Lothian, where Rehman fired three shots, one shattering an upstairs window. The group had conducted reconnaissance earlier, including following Mrs Lothian, and set fire to the Skoda afterwards. The motive remains unknown, causing significant trauma to the victims.

Found guilty of attempted murder and arson after a trial. Judge Andrew Smith KC described him as dangerous and noted that the offence involved a planned attempted murder with a firearm. He had no prior convictions and was on a path of self-destruction due to personal losses, but has since engaged in rehabilitative activities in prison, including mentoring and courses.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Shomari Mapp

Attempted Murder

July 11, 2025

Sentence: 20 years imprisonment

Shomari Mapp, along with Aairus Rehman and Shaquon Richardson-Bowen, arrived at Glendower Road in Perry Barr in a stolen Skoda around 11pm on May 18, 2024. Mapp was driving the vehicle during the attack on the home of Eian and Helena Lothian, where Rehman fired three shots, one shattering an upstairs window. The group had conducted reconnaissance earlier, including following Mrs Lothian, and set fire to the Skoda afterwards. The motive remains unknown, leaving the victims with lasting fear and trauma.

Found guilty of attempted murder and arson after a trial. Judge Andrew Smith KC described him as dangerous and noted that the offence involved a planned attempted murder with a firearm. He had no prior convictions and was described by friends and family as respectful and talented, with aspirations to start his own business.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Jamie Morgan

Causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity

July 10, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 6 months imprisonment

Jamie Morgan, a 27-year-old Maths tutor from Park Close, Erdington, posed as a 17-year-old on Snapchat and targeted three girls, including a 12-year-old and two 16-year-olds. He sent explicit pictures of himself, including images of his genitals, and demanded nude photographs in return. He asked one girl to 'give me something to excite me' and sent multiple explicit images. Police identified him through a photo showing half of his face and matching furniture in his home. The offences occurred between late January and his arrest, with one victim reporting feelings of depression and distrust of men as a result.

Pleaded guilty to one charge of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and three counts of sending a photograph or film of genitals. Has traits of autism and mental health issues, with an addiction to pornography. Expressed remorse and was made subject to sex offender notification requirements and a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Daniel Aston

Kidnap

July 8, 2025

Sentence: five years and eight months imprisonment

Daniel Aston, along with others, targeted Anthony Cooper over a £150 debt and his relationship with another woman. He used Shannon Wolleter as bait in a honeytrap plot, dragged the victim into a car, put a knife to his throat, and subjected him to a brutal attack lasting over four hours, including beatings in a flat and a car park on October 3, 2021.

Pleaded guilty to kidnap, robbery, and unlawful wounding. Judge described the attack as cowardly, planned, and vile.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

David Bambrough

Assault

July 8, 2025

Sentence: six months suspended sentence

David Bambrough allowed the group to attack Anthony Cooper in his flat in Small Heath and joined in to a limited extent during the incident on October 3, 2021, which was part of a honeytrap plot over a £150 debt and a disputed relationship.

Pleaded guilty to assault. Has mental health issues, learning difficulties, autism, and was easily led and manipulated into a limited role.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Shannon Wolleter

Kidnap

July 8, 2025

Sentence: two years and ten months imprisonment

Shannon Wolleter acted as the honeytrap by texting Anthony Cooper to lure him for a supposed sexual encounter on October 3, 2021. She then participated in his kidnapping, joined the group in attacking him, and kicked him in the stomach and genitals during the assault in a car park.

Pleaded guilty to kidnap and unlawful wounding. She was in an abusive relationship and acted at the behest of Daniel Aston, lacking the strength to withdraw from the incident.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Matthew Baker

Kidnap

July 8, 2025

Sentence: three years and nine months imprisonment

Matthew Baker joined his father and others in beating Anthony Cooper after the victim was lured via a honeytrap on October 3, 2021. He threatened to chop off the victim's legs and cut out his tongue, participated in the assault in a flat and car park, and shared pictures and videos of the violence on social media.

Confessed to kidnap and unlawful wounding. Has challenging mental health issues and was easily led by his father, Steven Baker.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Steven Baker

Kidnap

July 8, 2025

Sentence: three years and nine months imprisonment

Steven Baker punched Anthony Cooper, bundled him into his car, drove him to various locations, and beat him with a tyre iron and a piece of wood during an attack that lasted over four hours on October 3, 2021, motivated by a £150 debt and disapproval of the victim's relationship.

Confessed to kidnap and unlawful wounding. Currently undergoing psychotherapy and described as a changed man by his defence.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Lorna Pennycook

Misconduct in a public office

July 5, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Lorna Pennycook, a former police officer, accessed West Midlands Police computer systems around 200 times between 2017 and 2021 to provide sensitive intelligence to her former boyfriend, Anthony Kennedy, a professional crook she met on a dating site. She initiated the corrupt actions to ingratiate herself with him, and he later encouraged it.

Anthony Kennedy

Assisting in the commission of misconduct in a public office

July 5, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Anthony Kennedy, a professional crook, received sensitive intelligence from Lorna Pennycook, a police officer, which he encouraged after she provided it to him. This involved her accessing police systems illicitly.

Dwain Harding

Conspiracy to supply class A drugs

July 3, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and eight months imprisonment

Dwain Harding, 45, of no fixed address, was part of a conspiracy led by Ian Breen to supply Class A drugs across Birmingham and Coventry. Police discovered four one-kilo blocks of cocaine at his home and eight more in a car outside during raids in 2021.

Ian Breen

Conspiracy to supply class A drugs

July 3, 2025

Sentence: 22 years and six months imprisonment

Ian Breen, 41, from Barwell, led a conspiracy to supply Class A drugs across Birmingham and Coventry. The operation used bicycle couriers, encrypted apps, and involved mixing cocaine with other substances to increase profits. Police raids in 2021 uncovered drugs at associates' homes, and the group communicated via secret messaging apps.

Led the drug gang and employed a chef to mix cocaine for higher profits. Expressed frustration with COVID restrictions impacting drug supply.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Richard Sattar

Conspiracy to supply class A drugs

July 3, 2025

Sentence: 13 years and four months imprisonment

Richard Sattar, 43, of no fixed address, was involved in the conspiracy led by Ian Breen to supply Class A drugs across Birmingham and Coventry. He mixed cocaine to increase profits, and the operation used encrypted apps and bicycle couriers for coordination.

Employed as a 'chef' to mix cocaine with other substances, reducing purity to boost profit margins for the drug gang.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Vitalie Tanga

Murder

July 3, 2025

Sentence: Life sentence with a minimum term of 27 years and 6 months

Vitalie Tanga strangled his cellmate Tajinder Kular with the lead of a kettle at HMP Birmingham on September 30, 2022. Kular never regained consciousness and died in hospital on October 21, 2022. Tanga claimed self-defence, but evidence showed the attack was unprovoked and possibly related to a dispute over vapes. He was already serving a life sentence for a previous murder of Alfred Mattox in May 2021.

Pleaded not guilty but was convicted by jury. Suffers from schizophrenia and has problems with temper. Judge acknowledged his mental health issues but stated he understood the nature and consequences of his actions.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Tayler Thompson

Assault by Beating

July 2, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 2 months imprisonment

Tayler Thompson, aged 28, engaged in a series of criminal acts starting on June 17, 2024, when he kicked a stranger's dog outside his home on Audley Road, Kitts Green, causing it to yelp in pain and requiring veterinary treatment costing over £300. He then subjected two police officers to two hours of racial abuse after his arrest. While on bail, on July 14 and September 8, 2024, he strangled his mother multiple times, punched her, damaged her property including smashing a picture, punching holes in doors, breaking plant pots, bins, and a garden fence, and committed arson by setting fire to a newspaper in a bin while threatening to burn down her home. He also threatened a neighbour with rape and pursued his mother with a knife, demanding she admit fault.

Pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog, two charges of racial harassment, possession of cannabis, three counts of criminal damage, two offences of intentional strangulation, arson, and assault by beating. Judge Samantha Crabb described it as a more serious case of assault by beating and noted his 14 prior offences, including knives in public, criminal damage, and assaults. He has ADHD and autism, but these did not significantly reduce his culpability.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Mark Carey

Fraud

June 30, 2025

Sentence: 11-month suspended sentence, 30 days rehabilitation activity, and 2-month electronically tagged curfew

Mark Carey, aged 42, from Hazelwell Drive, Kings Heath, operated MTC Landscaping and Solutions on Facebook, swindling six victims out of more than £11,000 by promising landscaping work that he either failed to complete or delivered substandardly.

Judge expressed disgust at the offending and surprise at his attendance without prison belongings; mental health decline due to loss of unborn child contributed to the crimes.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Jason Horne

Importing cannabis

June 30, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment, suspended for 2 years, 25 days of rehabilitation activity, and 200 hours of unpaid work

Jason Horne, aged 24 from York, lost his job due to an allegation of assault and faced financial difficulties, leading him to agree to smuggle cannabis. He was recruited to travel to Thailand, where he was given two suitcases containing 22 vacuum-packed packages of cannabis worth approximately £100,000. He flew from Bangkok and was stopped by Border Force officers at Birmingham Airport on November 14, 2024. Horne admitted his involvement, citing fear of the dangerous people he was dealing with and regret for his actions.

No previous convictions; genuinely remorseful; assessed as low risk of reoffending; ordered to carry out rehabilitation and unpaid work.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

David Bradley

Conspiring to convey prohibited articles into prison

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 24 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months with 160 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehabilitation activity

David Bradley, from Coventry, orchestrated a scheme to smuggle steroids, mobile phones, and tobacco into HMP Birmingham in 2019 while he was in custody for domestic and commercial burglaries, including ripping ATM machines from walls. He used a corrupt prison guard to facilitate the smuggling and admitted to the offences.

Judge Kershaw described him as the leading light of the scheme and noted he had abused his partner's loyalty. He had already served a lengthy term and shown potential for a good life since release.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Sharon Deen

Robbery

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 15-month suspended sentence

On October 17, 2024, Sharon Deen participated in robbing a Lloyds Pharmacy in Smethwick, where she pulled a worker to the ground by her hair and spat in another's face while stealing shampoo and conditioner. She was also present in a drug dealer's car on October 20, 2024, during an incident involving dangerous driving and police confrontation, though she was not charged with supplying drugs.

Admitted robbery, assault, and two counts of possessing class A drugs. Ordered to complete 35 days of rehabilitation activity. Judge advised her to end her relationship with Wayne Green due to his negative influence and her own vulnerabilities, including learning difficulties and a low IQ of 70.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Tanya Parker

Conspiring to convey prohibited articles into prison

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 18-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehabilitation activity

Tanya Parker, from Coventry, helped smuggle steroids, mobile phones, and tobacco into HMP Birmingham in 2019 as part of a scheme orchestrated by her husband David Bradley while he was in jail. She was placed under enormous pressure and in an impossible situation, having been with Bradley since age 16. The couple has four children together.

Judge Kershaw noted her pregnancy and accused her of trying to manipulate the justice system, but decided not to jail her as the public does not need protection from her. She pleaded guilty and was under pressure from her husband.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Wayne Green

Robbery

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment and banned from driving for 5 years

On October 5, 2024, Wayne Green burgled a Chicken.com takeaway in Smethwick, stealing an iPhone worth £1,000. Later that night, he broke into a home in Merrivale Road, Smethwick, while occupants were asleep, stealing a purse, £100 in cash, biscuits, and bananas. On October 17, 2024, he and Sharon Deen robbed a Lloyds Pharmacy, assaulting staff during the theft of shampoo and conditioner. On October 20, 2024, while driving a drug dealer's car in Oldbury, he attempted to ram police vehicles three times, hitting them twice, and was found with bags of drugs.

Pleaded guilty to robbery, assault, two counts of burglary, and dangerous driving. Has 118 previous offences and was disruptive in court. Judge noted his negative influence on his co-defendant.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Andre Walker

Perverting the course of justice

June 25, 2025

Sentence: 34 weeks imprisonment

Andre Walker, banned from driving since 2018, was stopped by police on March 21, 2021, while driving a Fiat Punto with a defective headlight in Burton-upon-Trent. He provided a false name and date of birth, which was later identified through custody images. He failed to attend a subsequent court hearing on September 5, 2021, and was stopped again on April 8, 2025, while driving a Porsche Cayenne, providing false details once more. He was driving his pregnant girlfriend home on the second occasion, a short distance, as she was in discomfort. He evaded justice for four years due to sofa-surfing and losing his paperwork.

Admitted perverting the course of justice, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance. Judge Samantha Crabb stated it was a deliberate attempt to evade justice and that such actions warrant immediate imprisonment. He expressed remorse and was concerned about his newborn son.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Eeman Hussain

Attempted Burglary

June 25, 2025

Sentence: 45 weeks imprisonment suspended for 18 months

Eeman Hussain, along with two others, targeted a Premier shop on Holly Hill Road in Frankley on March 28, 2025. They wore balaclavas and used an angle grinder to cut through the shop's shutters in an attempt to break in. A security system activated, blowing smoke through the premises, which deterred them and caused them to flee in a stolen Audi. Police used a helicopter to track the vehicle to the Small Heath area, where Hussain was apprehended. He was found with two pairs of gloves and three sets of keys, and the incident caused significant damage estimated at £5,000.

Pleaded guilty to attempted burglary and going equipped for burglary. Judge Samantha Crabb cited his low risk of reoffending, youth, immaturity, lack of previous convictions, and prospects of rehabilitation. He was also ordered to complete ten days of rehabilitation activity, 180 hours of unpaid work, and a four-month curfew from 8pm to 6am.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Ervis Mici

Cannabis cultivation

June 23, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

Ervis Mici was involved in growing around 300 cannabis plants at BR Car Care Centre in Moseley, which was formerly a car care centre. He was approached to look after the cannabis grow and acted as a gardener. The operation was discovered by police on March 19, 2025. He had been in the UK for three years, made an asylum application that he later withdrew, and was unable to secure legal employment, leading to his involvement in the offence.

Pleaded guilty to cannabis cultivation. Had previously claimed asylum, withdrawn it, and had a conviction for possessing cocaine. In a relationship with a mother-of-two and facing financial difficulties. Judge noted he could have returned to Albania.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Jerome Jeffrey

Dangerous Driving

June 23, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Jerome Jeffrey, a convicted drug dealer, was driving a black Mini Cooper in Handsworth, Birmingham, with windows believed to be excessively tinted. Police suspected drug dealing when he picked up a woman in Holly Road. When police attempted to stop him, he tried to flee, crashing into a parked car, a police car, and a police van around 6pm on May 22, 2025. He resisted arrest, leading officers to smash his car window and use PAVA spray. His female passenger was found with drugs.

Admitted dangerous driving and obstructing police. Was recalled on a previous sentence for drug dealing offences and banned from driving for a year from the point of his release. Defence cited stress from partner's pregnancy and presence of drugs in the car.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Shakeel Yunis

Conveying a threat of serious harm

June 23, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

Shakeel Yunis posted a three-minute video on his TikTok account, which had over 1,700 followers, threatening a man he mistakenly believed to be a former Israeli soldier amid the Gaza conflict. In the video, he warned the victim would be dragged out of Nando's, never walk the streets safely, and face justice for alleged actions in Gaza. The incident occurred on March 20, 2024, based on false information from another video. The victim, actually a charity worker who had previously served with the Israel Defence Forces, was forced to leave his home, remove his image from social media, change his name, and cancel a planned talk at King's College in London.

Admitted conveying a threat of serious harm. Judge Andrew Smith KC emphasised that immediate custody was necessary for punishment and deterrence, noting the offence undermined a stable society. Defence highlighted his severe guilt, remorse, and commitment to avoid similar social media use in future.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Natan Haxhillari

Cannabis cultivation

June 23, 2025

Sentence: 13 months' detention

Natan Haxhillari was caught growing around 300 cannabis plants at BR Car Care Centre in Moseley on March 19, 2025. He acted as a gardener for the cannabis factory and was approached to assist with the crop. His asylum application ended in 2024 for undisclosed reasons, and he had no leave to remain in the UK.

Pleaded guilty to cannabis cultivation. Was only involved in cropping the cannabis and not in its setup. Arrived in the UK at 18 without financial support or skills for employment, making him vulnerable.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Nabela Tabassum

Attempted Murder

June 20, 2025

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment

Nabela Tabassum and her husband Wasif Hussain attacked his step-mum at her home in Kings Norton, Birmingham, in January 2024. The attack was motivated by a dispute over chores and living arrangements. They wore giraffe masks to disguise themselves, with Tabassum restraining the victim while Hussain assaulted her with a hammer and knife, resulting in stab wounds and defensive injuries. The incident was recorded on CCTV.

Restrained her husband's step-mum during the attack and handed him a knife, encouraging him to kill her. Convicted of attempted murder following a trial.

Sources: mirror.co.uk

Wasif Hussain

Attempted Murder

June 20, 2025

Sentence: 15 years imprisonment

Wasif Hussain and his wife Nabela Tabassum attacked his step-mum at her home in Kings Norton, Birmingham, in January 2024. The attack occurred after she accused them of treating her home like a hotel and asked them to move out. They wore giraffe masks to disguise themselves, and Hussain used a hammer to hit the victim on the head and a knife to stab her, causing injuries to her arms and defensive wounds. The incident was captured on CCTV.

Attacked his step-mum with a hammer and knife after she complained about chores. Convicted of attempted murder following a trial. Fled the scene but was arrested the next day.

Sources: mirror.co.uk

Sonia Singh

Perverting the course of justice

June 19, 2025

Sentence: Community order with alcohol treatment programme, 30 days rehabilitation activity requirement, and driving ban for 3 years and 4 months

Sonia Singh, aged 25 from Wednesbury, was caught driving while disqualified and uninsured in Birmingham on November 26, 2024, and again on February 21, 2025, when she crashed her car due to driving under the influence of alcohol. She attempted to evade punishment by falsely providing her mother's details during police interactions. She was tested with 66 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, nearly double the legal limit of 35 micrograms. The incidents involved lying to authorities and repeated driving offences despite a prior 16-month disqualification.

Admitted to perverting the course of justice, two counts of driving while banned, driving with excess alcohol, and without insurance. Judge considered her remorse, alcohol addiction due to parents' separation, and low risk of reoffending.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Esmeralda Negut

Theft

June 17, 2025

Sentence: 12 months detention

Esmeralda Negut, aged 20, targeted six people in Birmingham city centre, including The Bullring, by stealing a £1,000 phone on November 23 and an envelope containing £2,000 on February 20, with four attempted thefts on February 21. She acted with accomplices as lookouts and was arrested that day. She had a prior suspended four-month sentence in 2023 for a similar theft offence.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and four attempted thefts. Expressed remorse, regrets coming to the UK, and intends to return to Romania upon release. Recorder Sasha Ackland noted she would serve around 40 per cent of the term.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Adrian Leek

Theft and Dangerous Driving

June 17, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment and a 2 years and 4 months driving ban

Adrian Leek, aged 43, from Birmingham, used a different name to book a test-drive for a £23,000 BMW at Hilton Garage in Derbyshire on February 23, 2022. He arrived with an unidentified woman, refused to make the required 1p deposit, and drove off in the vehicle. He collided with a Range Rover on the forecourt and then drove the wrong way around a roundabout, crashing head-on into an Audi Q3, causing extensive damage estimated at £15,000 and minor injuries to the Audi's occupants. Leek abandoned the car and fled on foot.

Admitted to theft and dangerous driving. Has a prolific record of 71 previous convictions for 150 offences, including 81 thefts. Offending was motivated by a drug debt, and he has remained drug-free and secured a trusted job while on remand.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Ewa Bieniak

Fraud by abuse of position

June 16, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 9 months imprisonment

Ewa Bieniak, a 46-year-old payroll administrator at Sirus Automotive in Wednesbury, stole £194,509.66 from her employers between November 2021 and March 2024 by swindling the business, setting up ghost employees, and transferring company money to herself. This led to innocent staff being suspected. Her actions were driven by a compulsive spending addiction, exacerbated by the death of her mother in 2018, which she used as a coping mechanism without considering the consequences. She has a prior conviction for a similar £306,000 fraud between 2010 and 2015.

Admitted fraud by abuse of position. Genuine remorse due to compulsive spending addiction. Judge noted aggravating features including impact on the company, blame wrongly placed on others, and prior convictions for similar offences.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Josiah Davidson

Strangulation

June 16, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 1 month imprisonment

Josiah Davidson, the ex-partner of the victim, went to her house in Oldbury on October 17, where he punched and strangled her during a verbal argument, forcing her to climb out of a window onto scaffolding and seek refuge at a neighbour's. Upon her return, he attacked her again, grabbing her by the throat, punching her, and threatening to kill her with a machete, which he used to strike her back, leaving scratch marks. He was arrested later that day and expressed remorse for his actions.

Pleaded guilty to assault by beating, strangulation, threatening someone with a knife in a private place, and possession of a prohibited offensive weapon in a private place. A five-year restraining order was imposed to prevent contact with the victim.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Samba Faal

Supply of class A drugs

June 15, 2025

Sentence: five years imprisonment

Samba Faal ran the 'Menace' county line, supplying heroin and cocaine in Coventry between April and July 2024. He used a phone to sell drugs, which was tracked to his movements, including in an Uber booked under his nickname. He was caught on CCTV buying a top-up for the mobile and was arrested in October 2024. Police seized several phones, sim cards, and £1,000 in cash.

Admitted being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. Police described him as a key supplier of drugs in Coventry. He used the incident to boost his notoriety and was previously banned from parts of Birmingham.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Conrad Byrd

Conspiring to supply Class A drugs

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 13.5 years imprisonment

Conrad Byrd, a 50-year-old drugs courier, was caught during a traffic stop on Kenilworth Road in Balsall Common, West Midlands, on March 14, 2025, where police discovered over 25 kilograms of cocaine with a street value of approximately £3,800,000. Further investigations revealed additional drugs and cash at his home in Sidcup, Bexley, South East London. He had been making multiple trips between the West Midlands and London to transport Class A drugs for an Organised Crime Group.

Angela Davies

Indecent Assault

June 12, 2025

Sentence: 2.5 years imprisonment

Angela Davies, in her early 20s and struggling with drug addiction, had sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old boy, resulting in her pregnancy. She lied about the boy's age to social services, claiming he was older, which prevented them from locating him. The victim, who fathered the child, suffered long-term emotional distress and reported the incident to the police in the early 2020s. Davies admitted the truth only upon pleading guilty, expressing remorse for her actions.

Pleaded guilty to one offence of indecent assault on a male person. Judge Carr stated there was no alternative to an immediate custodial sentence, despite arguments for suspension due to her rehabilitation and mental health.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Francis Joyce

Theft

June 12, 2025

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment

Francis Joyce, aged 56, of Victoria Road, Handsworth, targeted Morrisons supermarkets in Birmingham, Solihull, Walsall, and Bilston. He conducted 23 raids between November and February, stealing alcohol, baby formula, chocolate, and washing up products worth more than £8,000. He sometimes paid for some items at self-scan checkouts but not others, or simply left with trollies or baskets full of goods without paying. He was arrested on March 7.

Admitted 23 charges of theft. Has 26 previous convictions including thefts, burglary, and handling stolen goods. Judge Simon Drew KC noted the offences were due to drug addiction and urged him to seek support in the community.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

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