Wolverhampton Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 145 verdicts at Wolverhampton Crown Court (Wolverhampton). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Alec Gandy

Fraud by abuse of position

January 16, 2026

Sentence: 2.5 years imprisonment

Alec Gandy, a senior operational manager at the Dudley Integrated Health and Care Trust, created bogus invoices and authorised fake payments between April 2021 and May 2023 to steal £123,090 from the NHS trust. He involved his ex-wife Kaylee Wright and friend Matthew Lane as fictitious workers, listing Lane as a physician's assistant and Wright as a paramedic. There were 23 invoices for Lane (total £37,160) and 12 for Wright (total £13,115), with Gandy pocketing £72,815. The fraud was uncovered after Gandy quit in May 2023. He spent £92,268.99 gambling, with net winnings of £85,420.17. The stolen money represented less than 3% of the £5.5 million annual budget but could have funded essential NHS staff.

Admitted fraud by abuse of position. Leading role in sophisticated and pre-meditated fraud involving abuse of position and trust. Judge noted financial impact on public purse and betrayal of colleagues. Prior drink-driving conviction in 2008.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Kaylee Wright

Money laundering

January 16, 2026

Sentence: 18-month community order with 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement

Kaylee Wright, 38, Gandy's ex-wife, was set up as a fictitious paramedic, receiving 12 bogus invoices totaling £13,115 paid to her personal bank account between October 2022 and April 2023 for non-existent work, including one for £2,050 claiming five 10-hour shifts and a home visit. A portion was transferred to Gandy. Emails purporting to be from her were used to add her to the system. The fraud, orchestrated by Gandy, stole £123,090 from the Dudley Integrated Health and Care Trust between April 2021 and May 2023, depriving the NHS of funds for staff and services.

Admitted money laundering. Initially believed the scheme was legitimate but later realised it was not and failed to ask questions. No previous convictions. Mother of two children with Gandy.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Matthew Lane

Money laundering

January 16, 2026

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, 200 hours unpaid work

Matthew Lane, 44, was set up as a fictitious physician's assistant by Alec Gandy, receiving 23 bogus invoices totaling £37,160 paid to his personal bank account between August 2022 and May 2023 for work never carried out. A portion was transferred to Gandy. Lane was embroiled in the scheme after seeking a loan due to crippling debt, unemployment after NHS job loss in Oxfordshire, divorce, and family health issues (father's cancer). The fraud stole £123,090 from the Dudley Integrated Health and Care Trust, impacting community health services.

Admitted money laundering. Involved due to financial desperation from £20,000 credit card debt and unemployment following divorce and job loss. No evidence of frivolous spending. Caution for theft from a motor vehicle in 2008. Served as Royal Marine (1999-2001) and reserve firefighter (2015-2018). Now works as HGV driver for Currys.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Mohammed Ishtiaq

Conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent

January 12, 2026

Sentence: 12 years and 7 months imprisonment

Mohammed Ishtiaq, 23, of Oldknow Road, Small Heath, was part of a Birmingham gang that planned and executed a shooting on October 11, 2024, targeting Nadeem Khan outside his home in Charles Foster Street, Darlaston. The gang conducted a reconnaissance trip on October 9, 2024, and attempted the attack on October 10 but missed the target. On October 11, a masked gunman fired a double-barrelled shotgun from a Toyota C-HR, shattering the windows of Mr Khan's BMW and wounding him in the face, hands, shoulders, and buttocks with embedded pellets. Mr Khan survived the attack.

Admitted conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent and conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life. Part of a Birmingham gang involved in planning the shooting.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Samir Khan

Conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent

January 12, 2026

Sentence: 13 years and 6 months detention in a young offender institution

Samir Khan, 19, of East Holme, Bordesley Green, was part of a Birmingham gang that planned and executed a shooting on October 11, 2024, targeting Nadeem Khan outside his home in Charles Foster Street, Darlaston. The gang conducted a reconnaissance trip on October 9, 2024, and attempted the attack on October 10 but missed the target. On October 11, a masked gunman fired a double-barrelled shotgun from a Toyota C-HR, shattering the windows of Mr Khan's BMW and wounding him in the face, hands, shoulders, and buttocks with embedded pellets. Mr Khan survived the attack.

Admitted conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent and conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life. Part of a Birmingham gang involved in planning the shooting.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Shamus Hussain

Conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent

January 12, 2026

Sentence: 12 years and 7 months imprisonment

Shamus Hussain, 27, of Floyer Road, Small Heath, was part of a Birmingham gang that planned and executed a shooting on October 11, 2024, targeting Nadeem Khan outside his home in Charles Foster Street, Darlaston. The gang conducted a reconnaissance trip on October 9, 2024, and attempted the attack on October 10 but missed the target. On October 11, a masked gunman fired a double-barrelled shotgun from a Toyota C-HR, shattering the windows of Mr Khan's BMW and wounding him in the face, hands, shoulders, and buttocks with embedded pellets. Mr Khan survived the attack.

Admitted conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent and conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life. Part of a Birmingham gang involved in planning the shooting.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Dilawar Khan

Conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent

January 12, 2026

Sentence: 13 years and 6 months detention in a young offender institution

Dilawar Khan, 20, of Mansel Road, Small Heath, was part of a Birmingham gang that planned and executed a shooting on October 11, 2024, targeting Nadeem Khan outside his home in Charles Foster Street, Darlaston. The gang conducted a reconnaissance trip on October 9, 2024, and attempted the attack on October 10 but missed the target. On October 11, a masked gunman fired a double-barrelled shotgun from a Toyota C-HR, shattering the windows of Mr Khan's BMW and wounding him in the face, hands, shoulders, and buttocks with embedded pellets. Mr Khan survived the attack.

Admitted conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent and conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life. Part of a Birmingham gang involved in planning the shooting.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Abdullah Amjad

Conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent

January 12, 2026

Sentence: 13 years and 6 months imprisonment

Abdullah Amjad, 23, of Allens Avenue, Winson Green, was part of a Birmingham gang that planned and executed a shooting on October 11, 2024, targeting Nadeem Khan outside his home in Charles Foster Street, Darlaston. The gang conducted a reconnaissance trip on October 9, 2024, and attempted the attack on October 10 but missed the target. On October 11, a masked gunman fired a double-barrelled shotgun from a Toyota C-HR, shattering the windows of Mr Khan's BMW and wounding him in the face, hands, shoulders, and buttocks with embedded pellets. Mr Khan survived the attack.

Admitted conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent and conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life. Part of a Birmingham gang involved in planning the shooting.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Jason Pettit

Burglary with intent to steal and theft from a person

January 7, 2026

Sentence: 3 years and 8 months imprisonment

On 15 December 2024, while paramedics performed CPR on a man suffering a cardiac arrest outside an address on Himley Street, Dudley, Jason Pettit, aged 47, was seen leaving the victim's address carrying a green shopping bag and locking the door. He and his partner ignored police requests to stay at the scene but returned later without the items. Police recovered the bag from Pettit's address containing a tablet, headphones, newspaper, man bag, wallet with victim's cards, and a laptop with the victim's details. The victim died from the cardiac arrest.

Jodie Westwood

Theft from a person

January 7, 2026

Sentence: 2 years and 5 months imprisonment

On 15 December 2024, while paramedics performed CPR on a man suffering a cardiac arrest outside an address on Himley Street, Dudley, Jodie Westwood, aged 42, was observed standing near the victim with a backpack. She and her partner ignored police requests to stay at the scene but returned later without the items. Police recovered the backpack from their address containing items belonging to the victim. Westwood had called 999 reporting the incident, with the handler instructing CPR and hearing shouting. The victim died from the cardiac arrest.

Pleaded guilty to theft from a person. She had called 999 reporting the victim and was heard shouting during the call.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Muazzam Luqman

Causing death by dangerous driving

December 23, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment and 8 years driving ban

Muazzam Luqman was driving a red Vauxhall Astra at more than 70mph on a 40mph road on Birmingham Road, Oldbury, on August 6, 2025, just before 9.20pm. He ploughed into a 54-year-old pedestrian who was crossing the road after walking along the pavement. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene despite paramedics' efforts. Luqman initially fled but returned and was arrested.

Pleaded guilty to the offence. DS Julie Lyman commented that Luqman disregarded the speed limit, costing an innocent woman her life.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Jamiel Slaney-Summers

Fraud

December 6, 2025

Sentence: 5.5 years imprisonment

Jamiel Slaney-Summers, along with Graham Walker and Lyn Walker, who ran Amberley Care Home in Brierley Hill, West Midlands, plotted to forge the will of 85-year-old resident Rita Barnsley after her death on August 5, 2021. The fraudulent will, created the next day and riddled with different handwriting and coloured pens, named Slaney-Summers and Lyn Walker as executors and main beneficiaries, allocating 50% of the £178,000 estate (including £150,000 house and £28,000 savings) to Slaney-Summers and 25% to Lyn Walker, plus £5,000 to care home staff. Rita had moved into the home in May 2020 after falling ill and was financially abused by her carers. The scam was exposed by Rita's cousin Verna Woolley alerting Dudley Council’s Trading Standards.

Found guilty by jury of fraud and theft. Judge John Butterfield KC noted she groomed and isolated the vulnerable victim, exploiting her failing eyesight and frailty. Also took £6,000 from victim's bank accounts for personal use including online Bingo.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Faisal Hussain

Conspiring to commit grievous bodily harm

November 28, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Faisal Hussain, 20, of Goldhill Road in Handsworth, participated in a horrific machete attack on a man in broad daylight on Barcroft Road in Wolverhampton on February 13, 2025, at around 4.30pm. The victim survived the assault. Hussain was identified through extensive CCTV enquiries and arrested later that month.

Pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Jassdeep Singh

Grievous bodily harm

November 28, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Jassdeep Singh, 21, of Ingestre Road in Wolverhampton, participated in a horrific machete attack on a man in broad daylight on Barcroft Road in Wolverhampton on February 13, 2025, at around 4.30pm. The victim survived the assault. Singh was identified through extensive CCTV enquiries and arrested later that month.

Uzair Mohammed

Possessing a prohibited firearm

November 27, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

On February 7, 2025, at about 9.40pm in Spring Head, Wednesbury, police spotted Uzair Mohammed throwing a canister of nitrous oxide from a Vauxhall Astra. Officers pulled the car over and found Mohammed in the passenger seat with a balloon in hand and another canister at his feet. During a search, he confessed to having a gun in his man bag, which was a converted blank-firing gun (unloaded, 10cm barrel, 22cm total length) along with two rounds of compatible ammunition and £550 cash. Mohammed claimed he found the gun and nitrous oxide on a youth in the area, confiscated them intending to hand them in, but inhaled the drug himself. He refused to name the youth to avoid being labelled a snitch.

Admitted possessing a prohibited firearm, possessing ammunition for a firearm without a certificate, and possessing nitrous oxide. Breached a prior suspended sentence for possession of a bladed article. Judge John Butterfield KC noted the startling nature of his confession to police.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

James Fletcher

Rape

November 12, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

James Fletcher abused a woman and a young girl over a number of years, starting from when the girl was 12. Allegations were made in June 2021, leading to his arrest and charges. The case went to trial, but he changed his plea part way through.

Admitted rape, attempted rape, and two sexual assaults including one against a child under 13. Additional 3 years on licence. Aged 77, of Canterbury Close, Rowley Regis.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Asaan Hussain

Possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life

October 31, 2025

Sentence: 15 years imprisonment

Asaan Hussain, 30, of Edgbaston Road, Birmingham, drove a stolen black Hyundai along Vicarage Street in Oldbury multiple times before stopping outside an address on February 17, 2025. He exited the vehicle and fired a shotgun twice at the living room and bedroom windows of the property before fleeing. He had parked the vehicle near Vicarage Street on February 13 and took a taxi there shortly before the shooting. After the attack, he met Sima Khan and they fled to Wales. Police arrested him at his home address in the West Midlands.

Found guilty following a trial. Charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Detective Sergeant Lucy Mooney noted it was a planned attack and miraculous no one was injured.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Sima Khan

Assisting an offender and possession of a firearm

October 31, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 6 months imprisonment

Sima Khan, 41, of Navigation Road, Birmingham, assisted Asaan Hussain after he fired shots at a house in Vicarage Street, Oldbury on February 17, 2025. They met near Sandwell Valley Country Park and fled to Wales. Police arrested her at her home address in the West Midlands, where a self-loading pistol with live ammunition was found hidden in a handbag under her bed, although it was not the gun used in the shooting.

Found guilty following a trial. Charged with assisting an offender and possession of a firearm. A self-loading pistol with live ammunition was found hidden in a handbag under her bed, unrelated to the shooting.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Neil Parker

Fraud and Unfair Trading

October 30, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, £2,000 compensation, 3 months curfew, 20 days unpaid work

Neil Parker, trading as P&B Garden Buildings, was paid £23,300 to convert an extension into a bedroom with a shower room at a property in Bilston. He carried out substandard work, including trip hazards, defective installations, an inadequately installed window and bi-folding door that were neither watertight nor fully operable, unsafe shower cubicle, and defectively installed external decking. He failed to complete the job, did not rectify the issues despite requests, and did not provide refunds except £226 for vinyl flooring or adequate documentation like contract paperwork and a 10-year guarantee. The victims, including a disabled resident, were left with a cold, unusable room forcing them to use stairs and sleep in woolly hats. Trading standards investigated after no response to contacts.

Pleaded guilty to one charge under the Fraud Act and five charges contrary to the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations. Prior hearing at Dudley Magistrates Court.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Craig Smith

Fraud by false representation

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 1 month imprisonment

Craig Smith, the 42-year-old boss of CAS Property Maintenance (Midlands) Limited, which he set up in April 2020, applied for a Covid Bounce Back Loan in August 2020 using his own name. He falsely claimed the company's annual turnover was £200,000, when it was actually £33,578, to secure the maximum loan of £50,000. The company had not been trading from the beginning of March as required. Smith resigned as director in July 2021 without filing accounts, and the company was dissolved in 2022. He resides on Saltwells Road in Dudley.

Pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by false representation. Overstated company turnover by £160,000 to secure the loan.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Brian Armstrong

Supply of heroin and crack cocaine

September 24, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 1 month imprisonment

Brian Armstrong, 59, acted as a runner in a drugs operation, delivering heroin and crack cocaine to customers in Wolverhampton between September 2024 and February 2025. He was arrested on February 22, 2025, at his home on Glaisdale Gardens, where police recovered a phone, around £200 in cash, and a notepad containing names and values of money.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine and acted as a runner delivering drugs.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Amarie Haughton

Supply of heroin and crack cocaine

September 24, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 2 months imprisonment

Amarie Haughton, 22, ran a drugs line known as 6363, sending text messages to customers when heroin and crack cocaine were available for sale in Wolverhampton between September 2024 and February 2025. He was arrested on February 22, 2025, at his home on Hurstbourne Crescent, where police seized scales, SIM cards, a small amount of crack cocaine, and a burner phone from a bin cupboard.

Benjamin Foster

Domestic Abuse

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Benjamin Foster, a 24-year-old dad-of-two, engaged in repeated acts of domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend between November 2021 and January 2024. Incidents included slapping her face, hitting her with a dog harness causing a nosebleed and black eye, grabbing a fistful of her hair and forcing her head into a door, kicking her while she curled up on the floor, spitting in her face, and assaulting her in front of their children. He also breached a non-molestation order, made threats including suggesting he might kill himself, and damaged property such as a mirror and a baby gate. The violence continued after their relationship ended in August 2022, with one assault occurring when he discovered she had kissed another man.

Pleaded guilty to one count of breach of a non-molestation order, three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, one count of assault by beating, and one count of criminal damage. No previous convictions; the defendant was on bail for earlier offences at the time of some incidents.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Jahaingir Hussain

Food safety offences

September 11, 2025

Sentence: £1,600 fine, £3,836 costs, and 16-day custodial sentence in default

A rat was discovered in the food storeroom of Jay Indian House in Hagley Road, Stourbridge, during an inspection on July 19, 2023. Rat droppings were found in storerooms, there was inadequate pest proofing, a large accumulation of waste in the back yard, and the food safety management system was not properly implemented, posing an immediate risk to public health.

Paul Topham

Murder

September 11, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum of 33 years

Paul Topham, a drug addict, entered the flat of 94-year-old Harold Monk in Wolverhampton on October 4, 2024, intending to commit burglary. He was masked and dressed in black. When Mr. Monk woke up and challenged him, Topham attacked him by straddling him on the floor and delivering extremely forceful blows to his face and body, causing 18 fractures, brain bleeds, internal bleeding, and other severe injuries. Mr. Monk died 10 hours later. Topham continued the burglary, ransacking drawers and stealing items like a key fob, keys, glasses, enamel badges, and paperwork before fleeing through a window.

Pleaded guilty to burglary and manslaughter; convicted of murder. Expressed regret through his barrister. Judge Michael Chambers KC described the crime as particularly despicable and noted the victim's vulnerability due to age and health conditions.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Rohan Chander

Possession of class B drugs with intent

September 10, 2025

Sentence: 12-month suspended sentence for two years, with a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 250 hours of unpaid work

Rohan Chander was involved in a drugs operation where he possessed and dealt cannabis, including packaging it in forms such as cookies, sweets, confectionery sticks, and herbal cannabis. Police stopped his vehicle in St Marks Road, Tipton, in January 2023, finding 84g of cannabis worth up to £840, additional drugs worth £1,720, £1,165 in cash in the vehicle, and £99,620.80 cash at his home. Evidence from a burner phone showed drug dealing activities, and he admitted the drugs were for his involvement in the enterprise, though he claimed it was to clear a debt. He maintained a lavish lifestyle with purchases like a Rolex and expensive trainers.

Pleaded guilty to possession of class B drugs with intent. The judge noted that the offending was out of character for an intelligent young man with a university degree, and he was under pressure to pay off a debt. He had no previous convictions and was described as having significant family ties.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Ruhel Miah

Sexual Assault of a Child

September 5, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Ruhel Miah, 48, from Walsall, posed as a 15-year-old boy on Snapchat to groom three young girls by building an emotional connection and making conversations sexual. He arranged meetings or turned up unannounced, persuaded them to enter his car, and engaged them in sexual activity, which he filmed. The recordings were recovered from his mobile phone during a West Midlands Police investigation.

Pleaded guilty to 15 counts including sexual assault of a child under 13, sexual activity with a child, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and sexual communication with a child. Additionally, he will serve a further three years on extended licence and was given a Sexual Harm Prevent Order.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Renaise Monk

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving

September 2, 2025

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment and a driving ban for five years and three months

Renaise Monk was driving a Volkswagen Polo under the influence of cocaine and cannabis when she crashed into a Toyota Corolla at the traffic light controlled junction of Birmingham Road, Walstead Road, and Bell Road on June 8, 2024. She was speeding between 56mph and 64mph in a 30mph residential area, causing the Toyota to shunt into a Nissan, and her vehicle to collide with railings and a traffic light. One passenger in her car was seriously injured, and she abandoned the scene but was arrested nearby. Witnesses saw her discard Nitrous Oxide bottles, which were recovered as evidence.

Pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Must take an extended driving test when eligible. Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes commented on her reckless actions, including speeding and drug driving.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Stuart Jones

Dangerous driving

September 2, 2025

Sentence: 71 weeks imprisonment

Stuart Jones rammed a police vehicle and led officers on a high-risk chase after behaving suspiciously in Stratford on June 14, 2025. He drove on the wrong side of the road without lights, made a dangerous U-turn on the M40 towards oncoming traffic, and was eventually stopped by police who broke into his van.

Admitted to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, and assaulting police. Officers noted the risks to public safety and emergency workers.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Ali Koka

Producing cannabis

August 18, 2025

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment

Ali Koka, a 34-year-old Albanian national, illegally entered the UK and was found manning a large cannabis farm worth £300,000 at a property in Moors Mill Lane, Tipton. Police discovered 300 cannabis plants across four rooms on May 31, with the electricity bypassed for commercial production. Koka claimed he was transported to the location against his will, locked in, and forced to water the plants, but had no prior convictions and was arrested just three days after arriving in the UK.

Pleaded guilty to producing a controlled drug. Judge dismissed claims that he was locked in the property and stated he knew the operation was illegal.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Emma Green

Robbery

August 15, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 1 month imprisonment

Emma Green approached an elderly man in Stourbridge town centre on March 12, 2025, asking for directions, change, and to use his phone. She followed him to Prospect Hill, grabbed his coat, assaulted him, and stole a significant sum of cash along with several personal items. She was identified through CCTV review, leading to her arrest and charge.

This was a callous robbery of an elderly man. Police inspector stated commitment to community safety and targeting violent offenders.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Troy King

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

August 7, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 3 months imprisonment and a 15-year restraining order

Troy King, in a relationship with Antoinette Porter between February and April 2024, subjected her to multiple violent assaults. These included slapping and kicking her face, punching her mouth causing dental damage, whipping her with a dog lead, forcing tablets into her mouth, threatening to drown her in the bath, and attacking her while she was driving. The victim suffered physical injuries and ongoing psychological effects, such as nightmares and anxiety.

Has a history of domestic violence and was disruptive in court, leading to removal. Judge Simon Ward noted his propensity for violence in relationships and described him as a controlling individual. Defence mentioned childhood trauma and mental health issues.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Naomi Peate

Breach of Restraining Order

August 7, 2025

Sentence: 48 weeks imprisonment

Naomi Peate breached a five-year restraining order by visiting her mother Serena Peate's home on February 19, 2025, banging on the door, yelling for money, and claiming she was ill. Her mother locked herself in her bedroom out of fear. Peate kicked the door and was arrested after police arrived. During her police interview, she assaulted an officer by slamming her hands on the table, grabbing a notebook, and lunging across the table. On March 30, 2025, while intoxicated, she took her mother's mobile phone under false pretenses and traded it for cigarettes on April 2, 2025. She has a history of drug use and mental health issues, including schizophrenia, and was not managing her medication properly.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of harassment (breach of a restraining order), one count of common assault of an emergency worker, and one count of fraud by false representation. Suffers from schizophrenia; has 10 prior convictions including breaches of orders. Judge Simon Ward commented on her mental health issues and hoped she breaks the pattern of offending, describing her actions as 'nasty'.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Kyle Henry

Inflicting grievous bodily harm

August 5, 2025

Sentence: 34 months imprisonment and a £184 victim surcharge

Kyle Henry, a 32-year-old dad-of-four, attacked taxi driver Miah Muktar after a minor collision on August 8, 2023, in Park Lane, Wednesbury. Henry took exception to Muktar photographing the van's registration plate, exited the vehicle, and punched Muktar in the face with both hands and significant force, causing him to collapse like a sack of potatoes. Muktar suffered a fractured skull, swollen left eye, fractured right ear drum, and broken nose. He required intensive care, and his wife became his full-time carer. A witness reported Muktar bubbling with blood and feared he would die.

Pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm. Has 12 prior convictions for 17 offences, including common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray, breach of suspended sentence, and robbery. Judge described the attack as unprovoked violence and noted he is no stranger to using violence.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Ovidiu Gurita

Murder

July 17, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27 years

Ovidiu Gurita, acting as a 'minder' for prostitute Vasilica Bornescu, plotted to rob Ricardo Maragliano by slipping a sedative into his drink to steal his £35,000 Rolex, gold chain, and gold ring. When the initial drugging failed, Bornescu persuaded Maragliano to have sex with Gurita as part of the scheme. Gurita then entered the flat and delivered a severe blow to Maragliano's neck while he was naked and tied up, leading to his death by possible compression or suffocation. Gurita and Bornescu fled with the stolen items, sold them, and went into hiding.

Convicted of murder, robbery, and conspiracy to supply cocaine. Previously admitted administering a drug with intent to steal.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Vasilica Bornescu

Manslaughter

July 17, 2025

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment

Vasilica Bornescu, a prostitute, and her partner Ovidiu Gurita plotted to rob her client Ricardo Maragliano by spiking his drink with diazepam to steal his £35,000 Rolex, gold chain, and gold ring. She attempted to drug him on May 13 but failed, then arranged another meeting on May 30 where she spiked his drink again and facilitated Gurita's entry to the flat. This led to Maragliano being attacked and killed. Bornescu assisted and encouraged the violence before fleeing with the stolen items.

Convicted of manslaughter, robbery, and conspiracy to supply cocaine. Previously admitted administering a drug with intent to steal. Must serve at least two thirds of the sentence before eligible for parole.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Martin Dicken

Making indecent images of children

July 10, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order with a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement, 120 hours unpaid work and £250 costs

Martin Dicken, a 34-year-old Universal Credit claimant, was found with five indecent images of children on his Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, downloaded between January 31 and July 2, 2024. He admitted to having intrusive thoughts about his friends' children and using search terms like 'teen' and 'girl'. Police executed a warrant at his home in Dorothy Road, Smethwick, in July 2024, leading to his arrest at work.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of making indecent images of children. No previous convictions. Judge John Edwards warned him not to reoffend and noted his entrenched preference for young girls, but was satisfied that rehabilitation could be effective.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Sharjeel Shahzad

Causing death by dangerous driving

July 4, 2025

Sentence: 15 years and 4 months imprisonment and 18 years and 3 months driving ban

Sharjeel Shahzad was driving a stolen Porsche Cayenne at speeds up to 51mph in a 30mph zone and on the wrong side of the road when he crashed head-on into a Toyota Auris on Dartmouth Road, Smethwick, on December 14, 2024. The collision killed two-year-old Shehbaz Singh, who was in the back seat being held by his father, and left his mother in a coma with life-changing injuries. Other occupants, including the driver of the Toyota, were also seriously injured. Shahzad fled the scene, was arrested two days later, and had fingerprints and DNA linking him to the vehicle.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in April. Had a history of driving offences, including a high-speed police chase and previous convictions for driving without a licence or insurance.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Stephen Hall

Robbery

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 15 years and 8 months imprisonment

Stephen Hall participated in a gang's spree of 11 violent robberies and vehicle thefts across the Midlands, including Dudley, Wombourne, Stourbridge, Gornal, Wordsley, Rowley Regis and Bilston. The group, equipped with an axe and machete, targeted closing shops, threatened female staff and stole cash and vehicles, beginning in August 2021.

Paul Bagnall

Conspiracy to steal motor vehicles

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 3 months imprisonment

Paul Bagnall was a member of a gang that stole 20 vehicles and committed 11 violent robberies in the Midlands, including Dudley, Wombourne, Stourbridge, Gornal, Wordsley, Rowley Regis and Bilston. The group, armed with an axe and machete, targeted shops during closing hours, threatening staff and demanding cash, starting from August 2021.

Gavin Reilly

Conspiracy to commit robbery

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 19 years imprisonment

Gavin Reilly was part of a gang of six men who committed 11 violent robberies and stole 20 vehicles across the Midlands, including areas like Dudley, Wombourne, Stourbridge, Gornal, Wordsley, Rowley Regis and Bilston. The group, armed with an axe and machete, targeted pubs, off licences and supermarkets as they were closing, threatening predominantly female staff and demanding cash, with incidents occurring from August 2021 onwards.

Jason Hall

Robbery

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 9 years and 8 months imprisonment

Jason Hall was part of a gang that conducted 11 violent robberies and stole 20 vehicles in areas like Dudley, Wombourne, Stourbridge, Gornal, Wordsley, Rowley Regis and Bilston. Masked and armed with an axe and machete, they stormed shops, demanded cash from staff and forced entry, with the offences starting from August 2021.

Carlton Betts

Conspiracy to steal vehicles

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Carlton Betts was involved in a gang's criminal activities that included 11 violent robberies and the theft of 20 vehicles across the Midlands, such as Dudley, Wombourne, Stourbridge, Gornal, Wordsley, Rowley Regis and Bilston. The group used weapons like an axe and machete to threaten staff in shops and steal items, with the spree commencing in August 2021.

Admitted conspiracy to steal vehicles and burglary. This sentence will be added to his existing 13-year jail term for a fatal collision in Tipton in 2021.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Craig Booth

Conspiracy to commit robbery

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 10 years and 6 months imprisonment

Craig Booth was involved in a gang that carried out 11 violent robberies and stole 20 vehicles in the Midlands, such as Dudley, Wombourne, Stourbridge, Gornal, Wordsley, Rowley Regis and Bilston. The group stormed into shops armed with weapons like an axe and machete, threatening staff and kicking down doors to access tills, with the crimes spanning from August 2021.

Admitted conspiracy to robbery and was found guilty of burglary and theft of vehicles.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Sywash Mashkhaty

Conspiracy to possess criminal property

June 27, 2025

Sentence: 57 months imprisonment

Sywash Mashkhaty led a gang that sold counterfeit and illicit cigarettes and tobacco products from European Food Express in Dudley High Street between August 2016 and December 2018. The gang hid products in secret compartments, including a concrete floor void and an electromagnetic-operated compartment behind a wall, with seizures including over 7,000 illicit cigarettes. The operation involved daily sales of around £500 worth of illegal tobacco, with the total value of counterfeit cigarettes estimated at nearly £700,000.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess goods bearing a sign identical to a registered trademark and conspiracy to possess criminal property. Ordered to pay £10,000 in costs.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Seyed Taklimi

Conspiracy to possess criminal property

June 27, 2025

Sentence: 25 months imprisonment

Seyed Taklimi was part of a gang that sold counterfeit and illicit cigarettes and tobacco products from European Food Express in Dudley High Street between August 2016 and December 2018. The gang used secret compartments to hide products, including a ceiling void containing a CCTV hard drive and over 13,000 cigarettes. Inspections revealed ongoing involvement in preparing and concealing illegal goods, with the conspiracy valued at nearly £700,000.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess goods bearing a sign identical to a registered trademark and conspiracy to possess criminal property. Part of the gang operating the illegal tobacco sales.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Zanko Fars Ismael

Conspiracy to possess criminal property

June 27, 2025

Sentence: 44 months imprisonment

Zanko Fars Ismael was involved in a gang that sold counterfeit and illicit cigarettes and tobacco products from European Food Express in Dudley High Street between August 2016 and December 2018. The gang concealed products in hidden locations, such as drawers, sacks, and behind ceiling tiles, with seizures including over 13,000 cigarettes. The operation generated significant illegal profits, with daily sales estimated at £500 worth of tobacco.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess goods bearing a sign identical to a registered trademark and conspiracy to possess criminal property. Served as second in command in the gang.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Shazad Mahmood

Conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm

June 20, 2025

Sentence: 17 years imprisonment

On July 31, 2024, several offenders attacked five males in a car in Reedswood Lane, Walsall. They used a vehicle to ram the victims' car and then emerged armed with machetes, blades, blunt instruments such as baseball and cricket bats, and a single-barrelled shotgun, which was discharged into the vehicle, causing significant and life-threatening injuries.

Admitted conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk