Hi and welcome to this JK B'HAM Crime Report for VPN: REGIONAL NETWORKS:
A gunman who shot a man in the thigh during a violent confrontation in Small Heath has been jailed for 12 years.
Mohammed Islam, 36, of Imperial Road, was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court after being found guilty of wounding with intent and racially aggravated public order offences.
The attack unfolded on September 2, 2023, when Islam arrived in a black VW Passat at a shop car park on Charles Road. CCTV footage captured him chasing his victim while brandishing a silver handgun. Witnesses scattered as Islam fired twice, narrowly missing the man. When the victim tripped, Islam fired a third shot, striking him in the left thigh, before fleeing the scene with two accomplices.
The court heard the shooting was a revenge attack, following an earlier incident that day where the victim had allegedly threatened Islam with a knife on the same road. The motive for the earlier altercation remains unclear.
Islam was arrested at gunpoint by armed police in Highgate while travelling in a taxi. During his arrest, he racially abused officers and denied involvement in the shooting during interviews.
A major investigation by West Midlands Police pieced together evidence from CCTV, mobile phone data, and footage linking Islam to the earlier knife threat. This led to his conviction, though he was cleared of attempted murder.
Detective Inspector Matt Marston described the shooting as “a truly shocking outburst of violence” and the victim’s survival as “extremely lucky.”
“This incident could easily have turned into a murder investigation,” he said. “We remain committed to tackling gun crime and bringing offenders to justice.”
ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and Sentencing
As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:
Firearms and Sentencing
This case highlights the serious legal consequences of using firearms to commit violent offences. In the UK, gun possession and use are strictly regulated under the Firearms Act 1968. It is illegal to possess, carry, or discharge a firearm without the appropriate licence, and offences involving guns carry severe penalties.
Under Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, wounding with intent “causing serious harm to another person with the intention of doing so” is a serious offence, carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Additionally, the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (Section 31) increases penalties for racially aggravated public order offences, reflecting the courts’ stance on hate-motivated crimes.
Firearms offences often result in mandatory custodial sentences. The Firearms Act 1968 (Section 5) imposes a minimum five-year prison sentence for possession of a prohibited firearm, unless exceptional circumstances apply. However, when a firearm is discharged with intent to harm, much longer sentences, such as the 12-year sentence in this case, are likely.
This case underscores the UK’s strict stance on gun crime and the severe consequences for those who choose to use firearms to settle disputes.
Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.
Jason King
Birmingham City-Desk
Twitter (X) @JasonKingNews
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