Birmingham Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 204 verdicts at Birmingham Crown Court (Birmingham). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Makyle Taggart

Causing death by dangerous driving

December 18, 2025

Sentence: immediate custodial sentence of some length

Makyle Taggart, 29, of Victoria Road, Stechford, was driving a BMW X4 when he fatally struck pedestrian Wynford 'Willie' Griffiths, aged 71, near Stechford Retail Park at the junction of Audley Road and Flaxley Road around 9pm on Sunday, February 9, 2025. The victim died at the scene. Footage of the incident was described as clear, and the defendant admitted the offence.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. Banned from driving immediately. Sentencing adjourned until December 18, 2025. Underlying mental health issues noted; psychiatric and pre-sentence reports requested.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Philip Duffield

Rape

October 31, 2025

Sentence: jailed

Philip Duffield, aged 25, from Solihull, described as a 'sexual predator', raped two young women aged 18 and 20 at the Holiday Inn in Solihull during a night out in Shrewsbury in April last year.

Paul Bradley

Sexual Assault

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 8 months imprisonment

Paul Bradley, a 58-year-old council housing officer from Newcombe Road, Handsworth, kissed an 18-year-old girl and lifted her top up to kiss her on the chest without consent while doing agency work for Rugby Borough Council. He was immediately removed from his role once the attacks were reported.

Shafiollah Amiree

Burglary

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 6 months imprisonment, banned from driving for 5 years and 3 months

Shafiollah Amiree, aged 24 from Birchdale Road, Birmingham, broke into homes 60 miles away in Cheshire, stealing an Audi from a driveway in Crewe and, three weeks later, a BMW and Ford in nearby Wistaston.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary, three counts of theft of a motor vehicle and two counts of driving while disqualified.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Ziyao Gao

Breaching Slavery Order

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Ziyao Gao, aged 54 also known as 'George', breached his slavery and trafficking risk order by subletting a property with poor living conditions. Police tracked him to a disused supermarket where they found a hidden staircase and two Vietnamese men hiding who had been working for him in exchange for cigarettes. Several other connected properties were searched, some modified to fit small bedrooms with poor conditions; three people were arrested for immigration offences.

Omari Maitland

Supplying Class A Drugs

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 7 years and 1 month imprisonment

Omari Maitland, aged 31 from Hodge Hill, ran the 'Black' drugs line in Birmingham and the Black Country. Police linked him to a phone used to operate the supply line and caught him on CCTV topping it up in a shop.

Jayke Bullivant

Rape

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment with 8-year extended licence

Jayke Bullivant, aged 19 from Falcon Lodge Crescent, Sutton Coldfield, raped a child who had gone missing.

Admitted rape, attempted rape, sexual abuse of a child and inciting a child into sexual activity.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Kejdi Basha

Supplying Cannabis

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 3 months imprisonment

Kejdi Basha, of no fixed address, was involved with Ergys Shquti and Arjan Muca in supplying cannabis in Birmingham. Police pursued a suspicious car in the city centre, arrested Basha, and raided an apartment in Southside containing more than 700 cannabis plants.

Adnan Haider

Possession of a Firearm

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

Adnan Haider, aged 21 from Sparkhill, and Dayyaan Mahmood were spotted handling a gun on Raymond Road, Alum Rock on February 21, sparking a helicopter search before their arrest.

Found guilty of possession of a firearm, possession of a knife, driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Anthony Nash

Rape

October 26, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with minimum term of 15 years

Anthony Nash, aged 47 from Shard End, carried out multiple rapes against two children and an adult in Cardiff, Wales. He was arrested at his home in Birmingham after the victims came forward.

Arjan Muca

Cultivating Cannabis

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 9 weeks imprisonment

Arjan Muca, of Alum Rock Road, was involved with Kejdi Basha and Ergys Shquti in supplying cannabis in Birmingham. He was arrested at a Southside apartment containing more than 700 cannabis plants after trying to leave upon seeing officers.

Avtar Nijjer

Money Laundering

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 1 year and 3 months imprisonment, ordered to repay £138,125

Avtar Nijjer, aged 73 from Leicester, worked alongside Gurmeet Handa in a complex fraud involving the laundering of more than £5.3m by depositing cash on his behalf for more than one year.

Involved in money laundering by depositing cash on behalf of Gurmeet Handa for more than one year.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Damien Scarlett

Robbery

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 16 years imprisonment with 4-year extended licence

Damien Scarlett, aged 36 from Wythall, carried out three gun-point car-jackings, including pointing a weapon at a dad in front of his young children. He was linked to two similar thefts near Earlswood Lakes and in Solihull. Police tracked him in a stolen car and saw him throw a firearm out of the vehicle.

Found guilty of three counts of robbery, three counts of possession of a firearm, and dangerous driving.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Dayyaan Mahmood

Possession of a Firearm

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Dayyaan Mahmood, aged 19 from Saltley, and Adnan Haider were spotted handling a gun on Raymond Road, Alum Rock on February 21, sparking a helicopter search before their arrest.

Delveer Sadhra

Possession with Intent to Supply Drugs

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 7 months imprisonment

Delveer Sadhra, aged 30 from Erdington, was spotted dealing drugs in Stafford where police found cocaine, a phone and cash on him, plus further drugs and scales in a nearby address. A few months later, he was observed passing cash to a vehicle driver and getting inside; police stopped the vehicle on the M6 near Walsall and found cocaine, heroin, cannabis, scales, phones and other drug paraphernalia at an address in the town.

Ergys Shquti

Supplying Cannabis

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 12 weeks imprisonment

Ergys Shquti was involved with Kejdi Basha and Arjan Muca in supplying cannabis in Birmingham. Police found two large bags of cannabis at a second apartment where he was detained.

Faseeh Ahmed

Importing Heroin

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Faseeh Ahmed from Handsworth was part of a Birmingham gang that used a pressure cooker to smuggle more than £280,000 worth of heroin into the UK. Customs intercepted the haul in July 2023 but allowed delivery to Formans Road, Sparkhill, leading to arrests and the discovery of half a kilo of heroin, cutting agents, phones and £15,000 cash in a flat in Stratford Road; the total heroin seized was worth nearly £460,000.

Convicted of importing heroin, possessing with intent to supply heroin and possession of criminal property.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Thangavelu Radhakrishnam

Attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 40 days rehabilitation activity, 200 hours unpaid work, 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, £500 prosecution costs

Thangavelu Radhakrishnam, aged 39, from Sutton Coldfield, targeted a 12-year-old girl's account on the Chatiw website using the profile 'I am untouched' on May 27, 2025. He switched to WhatsApp, sent explicit messages, an image and video of himself performing a sex act, and links to bestiality videos and a woman performing a sex act. He suggested a private massage, offered to visit her, commented she would be sexy when adult, and asked about having sex with her mother. The account was operated by an undercover operative who reported to police. Police tracked the device, seized two mobile phones, and arrested him at work. He had arrived in the UK from India in November 2022 as an engineer for better prospects but lost his £36,000 savings and was under pressure to send money home.

Pleaded guilty. Of previous good character. Committed offences during a chaotic period of distress after losing £36,000 savings. Judge Paul Farrer KC presiding.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Sohail Hussain

Dog fighting

October 13, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

Sohail Hussain, aged 46, of Brades Rise, Oldbury, was associated with 'UK Gladiators' and ran a subscription website 'Team Gladiatorz' providing fight reports and advertising dogs. He bought dogs from inside and outside the UK for fighting, provided dogs for fights at Ash Road, and organised events. Messages revealed discussions on breeding and selling 'killer dogs' and expanding operations into Europe. He participated in dog fighting on a significant scale involving bull breeds pitted against each other for hours.

Pleaded guilty to keeping or training an animal for use in fighting, causing an animal to fight, and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. Banned from keeping animals indefinitely. Has a previous conviction from 2006 for attending a dogfight. Wheelchair-bound due to spinal injury from a shooting more than 15 years ago.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Asif Ali

Dog fighting

October 13, 2025

Sentence: 17 months imprisonment

Asif Ali, aged 33, of Ash Road, Alum Rock, was involved in the 'On Smoke Kennels' (OSK) brand, training dogs out of a basement at an address in Ash Road, Alum Rock, which was also used to host dog fights lasting hours. He advertised and promoted events through OSK. He kept four fighting dogs between October 2022 and September 2023, three of which suffered injuries. One of his dogs, named Roxy, was killed following one fight. Scales, a treadmill, harness, and an area for holding fights were found in the basement, some fights recorded on video. Two rescued dogs had multiple scarring and puncture wounds.

Pleaded guilty to keeping or training an animal for use in fighting, causing an animal to fight, causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, and possessing items designed or adapted for use in connection with an animal fight. Banned from keeping animals indefinitely. Father-of-one who helped care for his mother.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Callum Bennett

Wounding with intent

October 10, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Callum Bennett, of Warmington Road, Sheldon, carried out three vicious attacks on Broad Street, Birmingham. On January 1, 2025, he punched and kicked a teenage ex-boyfriend of a friend from behind at least seven times, breaking his jaw, requiring surgery at Good Hope Hospital. On January 24, 2025, he punched a teenage love rival three times in the face at the same venue, causing bruising, due to past involvement with the same girl. On February 23, 2025, he chased and struck a man from behind, believing he groped a girl, causing the victim to fall unconscious, suffer a fractured skull, broken jaw, brain bleeding, and a several-day coma. Bennett was captured on CCTV for the first two incidents and incriminated by boastful voice notes on his phone for the third. He was arrested the day after the third attack.

Pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and unlawful wounding. First-time offender who spiralled due to alcohol, drugs, peer pressure and bravado after turning 18. Psychiatric report alluded to undiagnosed autism and ADHD. Recorder Helen Wolstenholme noted he would likely mature in custody and had family support.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Fasheeh Ahmed

Importation of heroin

October 10, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Fasheeh Ahmed, aged 24, of Thornhill Road, Handsworth, was part of a Birmingham gang that attempted to import over £280,000 worth of heroin hidden in the walls of a pressure cooker sent to a business in Formans Road, Sparkhill. The parcel was intercepted by customs on July 24, 2023, and allowed to proceed for a controlled delivery. Ahmed was arrested along with associates after picking up the package. A search of a linked flat on Stratford Road revealed nearly half a kilo of heroin, cutting agents, £15,000 in cash, and several phones. The total value of the heroin seized was approximately £458,000.

Convicted of importation of heroin, possession with intent to supply heroin, and possession of criminal property.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Gurmeet Handa

Money Laundering

October 10, 2025

Sentence: 6 years and 9 months imprisonment

Gurmeet Handa, 52, from Little Aston, Birmingham, orchestrated a sophisticated money laundering operation that moved more than £5.3million. He purchased nearly 30 properties using funds from numerous bank accounts, including those based outside the UK, despite declaring little or no income to HMRC. The operation was uncovered after West Midlands Police seized £30,000 in cash in Alum Rock, Birmingham, in 2016, leading to a complex investigation involving the Regional Economic Crime Unit, West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit, and HMRC.

Pleaded guilty to money laundering. Ordered to pay back £5.8million, including £460,000 in unpaid taxes to HMRC. Must sell 28 properties secured through criminal activity. Failure to pay will result in an additional 10-year sentence.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Iftikhar Hussain

Money Laundering

October 10, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order

Iftikhar Hussain, 68, from Birmingham, participated in the money laundering scheme by moving £29,400 in cash on one occasion as part of the operation that handled over £5.3million.

Phillip Collins

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

October 9, 2025

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment

On May 24, 2025, at around 5pm, Phillip Collins went to his girlfriend's address in Sutton Coldfield and accused her of lying about her whereabouts the previous night. After consuming four cans of cider, he smashed the front door of the communal area with a fire extinguisher, kicked the front door to her flat, punched her to the back of her head and face causing a cut to her lip, and then assaulted her female friend who intervened by punching her multiple times to the head and face and pulling her hair. Despite bail conditions, on June 6 he contacted her uninvited while intoxicated, demanding money, and later sent messages and a video threatening to destroy her property. The victim initially felt scared and vulnerable but later submitted a retraction statement dismissing the incident as 'silly' and supporting him.

Pleaded guilty to common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of criminal damage, harassment and threats to cause criminal damage. Released immediately or in days due to time on remand. No restraining order imposed. Prior record of 23 convictions for 41 offences including theft, burglary, robbery, assaults and criminal damage. Remorseful and addressing addiction in custody.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Mohammed Banaras

Unlawful wounding

October 3, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

On March 20, 2025, Mohammed Banaras accompanied Adrian Hay to the victim's HMO on Pershore Road. While Hay used a metal bar, Banaras wielded a gas canister to strike the victim repeatedly in the head. The cameras at the address had been deliberately moved beforehand. The victim, who had been out shopping and returned to the shared sitting room, was knocked unconscious, stamped and kicked, and suffered severe injuries including a cut to his eye, multiple skull fractures, and brain bleeding. He was hospitalized for three weeks in an induced coma. The motive for the attack remains a mystery.

Pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding. Prior conviction for robbery. Wrote a letter of apology to the victim expressing deepest regret and suffering from nightmares. At a crossroads in life with pregnant wife, will miss beginning of child's life.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Mohammed Masood

Conspiracy to defraud

October 3, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Mohammed Masood, aged 26, of St Bartholomews Road, Newham, London, along with his cousin Mohammad Suleyman, posed as a Detective Chief Inspector over the phone to con elderly victims out of money and goods. The frauds occurred between July 18 and September 5, 2023, targeting individuals aged 67 to 86. They convinced one 86-year-old victim to give £4,500 and two new iPhones, and a 77-year-old to purchase a £13,000 Rolex, which Masood impersonated over the phone during collection. The conspiracy involved eight frauds or attempted frauds, using manipulative tactics like keeping phone lines open to impersonate bank officials. At least two other people were involved. Separately, he committed dangerous driving and drove without insurance.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance. Banned from driving for 6 years. Was experiencing a difficult time living with his older cousin during the offending period.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Mohammad Suleyman

Conspiracy to defraud

October 3, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Mohammad Suleyman, aged 35, of Scholars Close in Soho, Birmingham, along with his cousin Mohammed Masood, posed as a Detective Chief Inspector over the phone to con elderly victims out of money and goods. The frauds occurred between July 18 and September 5, 2023, targeting individuals aged 67 to 86. They convinced one 86-year-old victim to give £4,500 and two new iPhones, and a 77-year-old to purchase a £13,000 Rolex, which Suleyman collected on CCTV. The conspiracy involved eight frauds or attempted frauds, using manipulative tactics like keeping phone lines open to impersonate bank officials. At least two other people were involved.

Admitted conspiracy to defraud. Sentence minus 113 qualifying days spent on tagged curfew. Motivated by greed and oblivious to the effect on elderly vulnerable victims.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Adrian Hay

Unlawful wounding

October 3, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

On March 20, 2025, Adrian Hay, known to the victim as 'Bart', arrived at the victim's HMO on Pershore Road with Mohammed Banaras. Hay was shouting and holding a metal bar, which he used to punch the victim in the head. The victim, who had been out shopping and returned to the shared sitting room, was also struck repeatedly with a gas canister by Banaras. The cameras at the address had been deliberately moved beforehand. The victim was knocked unconscious, stamped and kicked, and suffered severe injuries including a cut to his eye, multiple skull fractures, and brain bleeding. He was hospitalized for three weeks in an induced coma. Additionally, Hay was sentenced for possession of 116 wraps of crack cocaine worth over £1,000, seized in September 2022.

Pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and possession of class A drugs with intent to supply. Prior convictions for theft-type offences, robbery, and importing drugs. Expressed sincere apology. Spiralled into drug use after father's death during Covid-19 pandemic.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Bilal Khan

Conspiracy to steal motor vehicles

September 28, 2025

Sentence: 2 years suspended sentence

Bilal Khan participated in a gang that stole over 40 cars from Birmingham and Solihull between January and July of the previous year. The group targeted expensive models, shared videos and photos on social media platforms, attempted to blackmail victims, removed vehicle trackers, and sold the cars, including contacting buyers nationwide.

Admitted conspiring to steal motor vehicles; drove a getaway car in one incident.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Mohammed Akleem Ali

Conspiracy to steal motor vehicles

September 28, 2025

Sentence: 36-month Youth Supervision Order

Mohammed Akleem Ali was involved in a gang that stole more than 40 cars from Birmingham and Solihull between January and July of the previous year. The group stole vehicles by loitering in streets and car parks, shared evidence on social media, blackmailed victims to buy back their cars, removed trackers, and sold the vehicles to buyers across the UK.

Admitted conspiring to steal motor vehicles; ordered to participate in a Restorative Justice intervention programme.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Harris Haroon

Conspiracy to steal motor vehicles

September 28, 2025

Sentence: 3 years in a young offenders' institution

Harris Haroon was part of a gang that stole more than 40 cars, including BMWs and other models, from Birmingham and Solihull between January and July of the previous year. They used social media to flaunt the stolen vehicles, posed in videos driving and stealing them, and engaged in blackmailing victims to repurchase their cars, while removing trackers and selling the vehicles.

Admitted conspiring to steal motor vehicles; the group shared evidence of their crimes on social media.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Waqar Khan

Conspiracy to steal motor vehicles

September 28, 2025

Sentence: 4.5 years imprisonment

Waqar Khan was involved in a gang that stole more than 40 cars, primarily BMWs and other expensive models, from Birmingham and Solihull between January and July of the previous year. The group loitered on streets and car parks to target vehicles, shared photos and videos of the stolen cars on WhatsApp and Snapchat, contacted victims to blackmail them into buying back their own cars, removed trackers from vehicles, and sold them to buyers across the UK, including one from Middlesbrough.

Admitted conspiring to steal motor vehicles; used his own BMW to stake out and as a getaway car; part of a group that stole and sold cars.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Susan Wilson

Illegal puppy farming

September 22, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months and 20 rehabilitation days

Susan Wilson, along with Ian Wilson, operated an illegal puppy farm from their two-bedroom house in Hednesford, Cannock, between 2017 and 2019, breeding mainly Chihuahuas and German Shepherds. They sold puppies online, claiming they were family pets, and made approximately £105,000. The house was in rancid conditions, with around 60 dogs kept in faeces and urine, and they used hormone drugs to increase breeding productivity without veterinary care. The operation was described as the worst case of animal neglect by environmental health officers.

Pleaded guilty to running an illegal puppy farm. Judge Andrew Smith KC noted that custody was warranted but spared jail due to ailing health, including hypertension, strokes, and type two diabetes. She was made subject to a criminal behaviour order for three years and faced social media backlash.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Ian Wilson

Illegal puppy farming, fraud, and money laundering

September 22, 2025

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months and 20 rehabilitation days

Ian Wilson, along with Susan Wilson, operated an illegal puppy farm from their two-bedroom house in Hednesford, Cannock, between 2017 and 2019, breeding mainly Chihuahuas and German Shepherds. They sold puppies online, claiming they were family pets, and made approximately £105,000. The house was in rancid conditions, with around 60 dogs kept in faeces and urine, and they used hormone drugs to increase breeding productivity without veterinary care. The operation was described as the worst case of animal neglect by environmental health officers.

Pleaded guilty to running an illegal puppy farm, fraud, and money laundering. Judge Andrew Smith KC noted that custody was warranted but spared jail due to ailing health, including hip replacement, sepsis, heart disease, and COPD. No remorse was shown, and he was made subject to a criminal behaviour order for three years.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Ishmael Farquharson

Manslaughter

September 17, 2025

Sentence: 22 years imprisonment

Ishmael Farquharson, aged 34, stabbed 16-year-old Sekou Doucoure in the chest during a knife fight on the forecourt of an Esso petrol station on Nursery Road, Newtown, Birmingham, on July 12, 2022. The incident stemmed from rival gang affiliations, with Farquharson pursuing Sekou amid postcode gang rivalries between Get Round Der (B20 area) and 9Boyz (B19 area). Farquharson arrived at the scene armed with a significant knife, engaged in the fight, overpowered Sekou, and delivered the fatal blow. He fled the scene, discarded the weapon, and was later arrested in Spain after going on the run.

Cleared of murder but guilty of manslaughter. Had 18 previous convictions for offences including violent assaults. His barrister stated the killing was out-of-character and a reaction in the heat of the moment, and he expressed regret and apologised to the victim's family.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Abdurrahman Summers

Murder

September 15, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 19 years

Abdurrahman Summers was one of three teenagers convicted of murdering Reuben Higgins, 17, in a vape shop in Marston Green, Solihull. On October 29, 2024, Reuben was confronted by a group including Summers, accused of a prior knife threat (which had no evidence), and refused to go with them. The group chased him into the Vape Minimarket, forced their way inside, and attacked him while he was unarmed and trying to barricade the door. Reuben suffered four stab wounds, including a fatal one to the heart, and died at the scene. Summers was armed and prepared for trouble.

Shouted 'I'm still breathing' towards the victim's family; had previous convictions for multiple robbery offences and possessing a knife; purchased a bus ticket to Spain after the killing but handed himself in.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Surjit Singh

Murder

September 12, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment

Surjit Singh attacked his 76-year-old mother, Mohinder Kaur, at their family home on Clarence Road, Handsworth. He contacted a relative admitting to the attack around 1pm on 29 September of the previous year. Police found her fatally wounded on the living room floor, and she was pronounced dead later that evening at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The cause of death was injuries consistent with multiple blows, though the motive and use of a weapon were unclear. Singh returned to the scene and was arrested, stating he did not mean to do it and had lost his head.

Pleaded guilty to murder. Det Insp Nick Barnes commented that this senseless killing has torn apart a family.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Hayley Cook

Conveying prohibited items into prison

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 23 months imprisonment, suspended for two years

Hayley Cook sent parcels to Carl Brookes in prison, containing mobile phones, chargers, tablets, sheets soaked in 'Spice', steroids, and other items. The first package was sent on April 12, 2022, and the second on April 14, 2022. Her fingerprints were found on the packaging, and messages on her phone confirmed her involvement. This occurred while Brookes was serving a sentence for firearms offences, and Cook's actions were linked to their relationship, which involved domestic violence and threats.

Admitted two counts of conveying a prohibited item into prison. Judge Sarah Buckingham criticised her for remaining in a relationship with Carl Brookes and urged her to leave for the sake of herself and her children. She was also ordered to carry out 20 days of rehabilitation activity, 125 hours of unpaid work, and pay £500 in costs.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Reagan Bates

Exposure

September 9, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Reagan Bates repeatedly visited a woman's home, initially asking for food, but later exposed his erect penis to her around 10.55pm, leading her to slam the door. Prior to this, he stole two sandwich wraps from Marks & Spencer at Heartlands Hospital on January 6, 2025, assaulting two security guards during his apprehension and was found with cannabis. Additionally, on May 11, 2025, he assaulted a man at Lichfield City railway station after the victim tried to stop him from fleeing with a stolen bag. His behaviour escalated over weeks, influenced by cannabis use and mental health issues.

Pleaded guilty to exposure, theft, criminal damage, possession of cannabis, three counts of assault, and breaching a suspended sentence for robbery. Diagnosed with Autism and ADHD, and struggled with custody.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Micah Williams

Strangulation

September 8, 2025

Sentence: 17 months imprisonment and a ban from keeping animals for three years and six months

Micah Williams, aged 36, of Hampson Close, Sparkbrook, attacked his partner at Oriel House tower block in Solihull on June 22, 2025, during a row. He wrestled the lead from her dog, causing the animal to be lifted off the ground and escape, and then strangled her on a stairwell. The incident was reported by a neighbour and captured on CCTV. Despite his partner's lack of support for the prosecution, his history of domestic violence, including 25 callouts between November 2020 and June 2025, was considered.

Admitted to strangulation and animal cruelty. Has 25 domestic violence callouts in five years. Previous conviction for assaulting an ex-partner. Suffers from Autism, ADHD, and Asperger's, as stated in defence. Judge noted his violent temper, issues with conflict resolution, and alcohol problems.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Yasir Islam

Causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity

September 3, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment with an extended licence of 4 years

Yasir Islam, aged 23 from Moseley, sexually exploited more than a dozen young girls aged 10 to 15 via a video chat platform. He encouraged them to expose private parts of their bodies while he engaged in sexual activity on camera, recorded the interactions, and uploaded a category A indecent image of a child to Snapchat. The offences occurred over a six-month period when he was aged 21 and 22. Police discovered 161 indecent images and videos on his devices, including material he created himself, leading to his arrest after a search warrant was executed.

Pleaded guilty to five charges of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and five counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, among other offences. Declared a 'dangerous' offender by the judge. Defense suggested boredom as a factor, and he expressed deep shame.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Jonathan Philp

Rape

September 2, 2025

Sentence: 22 years imprisonment with an extended eight-year licence period

Jonathan Philp, aged 46, from The Monk's Croft, Coventry, raped and sexually abused a boy over a period, admitting he was sexually attracted to children and would have continued the abuse if not reported. The victim made disclosures to a school counsellor, leading to Philp's arrest. The abuse caused the victim significant emotional distress, including difficulty sleeping, concentrating, increased anger and sadness, and negative impacts on his education and school life. Philp had portrayed himself as a dedicated church-goer and community helper, but was revealed as a 'deceitful monster hiding in plain sight'.

Pleaded guilty to the charges. Expressed sincere remorse and had no previous convictions. Judge Sarah Buckingham described him as a 'selfish, self-centred paedophile' and noted he posed a danger to children.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Jessica Taylor

Conspiracy to Fraudulently Evade Prohibition on Importation of Cannabis

August 27, 2025

Sentence: 14-month sentence, suspended for two years; six-month curfew between 8pm and 6am; 30 days rehabilitation activity

Jessica Taylor, aged 23, agreed to smuggle approximately 20 kilograms of cannabis, valued at £50,000, through Birmingham Airport in exchange for a free holiday to Thailand. She was recruited into the scheme amid personal difficulties and addiction issues. On April 24, 2025, she arrived at Birmingham Airport from Bangkok via Copenhagen and attempted to pass through the nothing to declare lane with a locked suitcase containing the drugs, which also had an AirTag concealed inside a hairbrush. She was stopped by Border Force officers, initially claimed her boyfriend had packed the suitcase, but later admitted to the act herself.

Pleaded guilty to the offense. Had previous convictions for drug-driving, possession of cocaine and cannabis. Judge noted her judgement was clouded by addiction and warned this was her last chance, highlighting elements of exploitation due to her vulnerability.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Keaton Davies

Rape

August 22, 2025

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment with a four-year extended licence period

Keaton Davies, aged 15, raped a 13-year-old vulnerable girl on two occasions. Later, at age 19, he targeted three young girls, including a 12-year-old, over Snapchat, demanding nude pictures through coercion and threats, such as petrol bombing a home or self-harm. He leaked some images online, pressured one victim into unwanted sex, and caused another to attempt suicide. His actions had a profound and traumatic impact on the victims.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of rape among more than a dozen sex offences. Described as 'damaged and broken' with a bleak outlook; judge considered his age, immaturity, and background.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Emmanuel Johnson

Stalking

August 22, 2025

Sentence: Two years and four months imprisonment

Emmanuel Johnson subjected his ex-partner to a campaign of unwanted and threatening contact starting in October of the previous year. This included sending social media friend requests, making direct calls where he said 'I will never leave you alone' and threatened to shoot her in the face, contacting her friends, threatening to track her car with an Apple AirTag, and telling her he would 'write you off'. The victim reported the incidents to the police, leading to his arrest on July 11. She experienced significant distress, changing her phone number, social media accounts, and considering enhanced home security, as she feared for her life.

Admitted to stalking involving serious alarm and distress, witness intimidation, and breaching a restraining order. Previously jailed for controlling and coercive behaviour. Judge Simon Ash KC noted limited evidence of remorse and imposed a further indefinite restraining order.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Aimee Betro

Conspiracy to murder

August 21, 2025

Sentence: 30 years imprisonment

Aimee Betro, from Wisconsin, USA, attempted to shoot Sikander Ali outside his home in Yardley on September 7, 2019, while disguised in a niqab and burka. Her gun jammed during the initial attempt, and she returned later to fire three shots through the windows of his unoccupied home. This was amid a family rivalry stemming from a 2018 incident in a Birmingham boutique shop, where she was hired to target members of the rival family.

Played a leading role in the assassination plot, motivated by infatuation with Mohammed Nazir. Spent nearly 200 days in custody in Armenia awaiting extradition and has been described as having an 'amateurish' approach.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Margaret Jean Southall

Animal welfare offences

August 21, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order, 25 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days, £200 costs, and a 10-year ban from keeping animals

Margaret Jean Southall and Wayne Kenneth Brown neglected their horse, Dynamite, who was underweight, suffering from a severe skin disease, and had wounds, scabs, ulcers, thickened skin, and bleeding from self-trauma due to intense itching. The horse also had diarrhoea, ulcers in his stomach from lack of adequate food, sand in his large intestine, and inflammation in his small and large intestines. Despite these conditions, they failed to seek urgent veterinary attention or provide basic preventative care. The horse was euthanised at their home before he could be seized for treatment.

Pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences. Aged 83, shared ownership of the horse with Wayne Kenneth Brown, and decided to euthanise the horse before veterinary care could be provided.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Wayne Kenneth Brown

Animal welfare offences

August 21, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order, 25 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days, 80 hours of unpaid work, and a 10-year ban from keeping animals

Wayne Kenneth Brown and Margaret Jean Southall neglected their horse, Dynamite, who was underweight, suffering from a severe skin disease, and had wounds, scabs, ulcers, thickened skin, and bleeding from self-trauma due to intense itching. The horse also had diarrhoea, ulcers in his stomach from lack of adequate food, sand in his large intestine, and inflammation in his small and large intestines. Despite these conditions, they failed to seek urgent veterinary attention or provide basic preventative care. The horse was euthanised at their home before he could be seized for treatment.

Pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences. Aged 55 and shared ownership of the horse with Margaret Jean Southall.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Rebecca Harris

Assault

August 19, 2025

Sentence: more than eight years imprisonment

Rebecca Harris, aged 35, an Aston Villa fan, slashed a woman with a samurai sword and was involved in additional violent behaviour, including mooning a judge and chanting 'Tommy Robinson' and 'EDL' during attacks on police and others in Solihull.

Declared 'dangerous' by the judge and jailed for slashing a woman with a samurai sword, along with other violent incidents including racist attacks.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

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