A ground-breaking injunction banning car cruising in the Black Country has been permitted to continue.
The High Court, sitting in Birmingham on Monday (7 March), heard the introduction of the injunction in February 2015 had significantly reduced the problem across much of the region – and eradicated it altogether in many areas.
The Black Country-wide injunction bans people from taking part in a car cruise anywhere within Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall – or from promoting, organising or publicising any such event in those areas.
And it has had an instant impact, with police and councils reporting a "significant reduction in car cruising" across the Black Country, with it being "eliminated altogether" in some areas.
Previously, there were a number of hotspots around the region including the Black Country Route near Bilston and Birmingham New Road on the border of Wolverhampton and Dudley, with drivers and spectators turning local roads into a race track.
As well as deterring would-be car cruisers from gathering in the first place, four people who took part in car cruises have been convicted for contempt of court for breaching the injunction, with a further eight prosecutions pending.
A 25-year-old from Wordsley and a 35-year-old from Tipton admitted contempt of court after participating in a car cruise in Wolverhampton last October when they appeared before the High Court in January. Both were given suspended jail sentences and each ordered to pay £443.63 costs.
Meanwhile, last July an 18-year-old from Walsall admitted breaching the injunction in a case brought by Sandwell Council by racing another car at speed in a 40mph zone in West Bromwich. In February this year, the driver he was racing, a 24-year-old from Birmingham, admitted the same offence. Both were found guilty of contempt of court and handed three-month jail sentences, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £500 costs.
When the injunction was granted by the High Court in December 2014, His Honour Judge Owen directed there should be a review hearing 12 months after its implementation, at which the court would consider the effect of the injunction and decide whether it should be continued to its original expiry date of 1 February 2018.
In evidence presented to the High Court, Joanne Mason of Wolverhampton's Anti Social Behaviour Team said: "There has been a significant reduction in car cruising activity across the Black Country since the injunction came into force.
"There is overwhelming support for the continuation of the injunction from local residents and businesses. It is vital the injunction remains in force to enable police and the four Black Country councils to continue to tackle the dangerous, anti-social and nuisance behaviour of car cruising."
The High Court permitted the continuation of the injunction yesterday (Monday 7 March, 2016) and Councillor Sandra Samuels, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "We are delighted that the court has seen the enormous impact the injunction has had in tackling the menace of car cruising in the Black Country.
“It is important that the authorities are able to not only continue using it bring perpetrators to book but, more importantly, to deter would-be car cruisers in the first place."
Chief Inspector Jed White from West Midlands Police’s Motorway Policing unit said: “Street racing is completely unacceptable and won’t be tolerated. West Midlands Police welcome the extension of the ground-breaking ban on car cruisers.
“The injunction enables us, together with our partners, to continue to tackle those individuals who flout the laws of the road and pose a danger for innocent members of the public.
“The force recently launched Operation Hercules, a campaign which sees traffic officers patrolling major trunk roads popular with car cruisers on the look-out for speeders and drivers of illegally modified vehicles.”
Car cruising – the act of drivers meeting on the public highway on either an organised or impromptu basis to race or show off in their cars – is noisy, dangerous and illegal.
The injunction, secured by the four Black Country boroughs and led by the City of Wolverhampton Council and West Midlands Police, prohibits a number of activities typically associated with car cruising, including speeding, racing and driving in convoy, performing stunts and causing an obstruction on a public highway.
It also prohibits a number of consequences associated with car cruising, including excessive noise, danger or risk of injury to other road users and pedestrians, damage or risk of damage to property and significant risk of harm, public nuisance and annoyance to the public.
Anyone breaching the injunction is at risk of being in contempt of court, for which an adult can face up to two years in prison and a fine. In addition, police retain their powers in relation to traffic offences including driving without insurance, driving an unroadworthy vehicle and driving without due care and attention.
To read a copy of the injunction, and for more information, please visit: http://bit.ly/carcruisingban.
Incidents of car cruising should be reported to West Midlands Police on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.
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Ground-breaking car cruise ban continued by High Court
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Waiter jailed for knife robbery after diners recognise him from CCTV
A waiter who snatched a woman’s handbag at knife point from a shopping centre has been jailed after an image circulated by West Midlands Police was recognised by diners.
Sheraz Shafi (pictured) struck at Stechford Retail Park on 27 April when he jumped into the back seat of a shopper’s Range Rover armed with a kitchen knife and shouted "you’re gonna get hurt… do what I say".
She fled screaming for help as Shafi grabbed the woman’s handbag containing an iPhone, £400 in cash and valuable Asian gold jewellery.
West Midlands Police seized CCTV from a nearby plant hire firm showing Shafi carrying the handbag − and when images of the suspect were circulated on social media it prompted a flurry of calls from people recognising him as a waiter at a Washward Heath restaurant.
He handed himself into police in the early hours of May 11 but not before he’d returned some of the stolen items − including her purse and bank cards − by posting them through security gates at her home.
Detectives also found a handwritten note in Urdu, wrapped in tin foil, threatening the woman and her family if she proceeded with the case against him.
Shafi, from Washward Heath Road, admitted stealing the handbag but denied robbery − but eventually entered a guilty plea to counts of robbery and witness intimidation at court.
He appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on 17 August where he was jailed for a total of six years.
Investigating officer, PC John Demers from Birmingham East Police’s Investigation Team, said: "The woman was understandably traumatised by what happened… she was shopping in the afternoon when suddenly a stranger armed with a knife jumped in her car.
"We had a very positive response from the public after issuing Shafi’s image with 10 people either naming him or saying he worked at the diner. I’d like to thank them for getting in touch and helping us take a dangerous man off the streets.
"I firmly believe Shafi would have struck again had he not been apprehended."
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12 years jail for rapist who attacked woman in his home
A man who repeatedly raped a woman has been jailed for 12 years following a West Midlands Police investigation.
Darren Nesbitt (pictured), from Arden Street in Dorridge, had invited the woman to stay at the house he shared with his partner in Solihull on 22 August last year as a leak had left her with no running water.
But Birmingham Crown Court heard how heavy drinker Nesbitt groped the 49-year-old as they smoked cigarettes in the garage and then forced himself upon her in the spare room as his partner slept in their bedroom nearby.
She disclosed the attack to a work colleague the following day and on 19 September reported Nesbitt to West Midlands Police.
He was arrested from his home address but denied stepping foot in the bedroom the woman had stayed in and couldn’t explain why “she was making up the story”.
However, weight was added to the woman’s account when West Midlands Police detectives traced another woman who alleged Nesbitt had sexually assaulted her at his home in 2014.
And at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday (Aug 26) he was jailed for 12 years having been found unanimously guilty by a jury on three counts of rape and one attempted rape. He must also sign the sex offenders register for life.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Jon Barker from West Midlands Police’s Public Protection Unit, said: “Nesbitt invited the woman into his home and offered her his hospitality by cooking and plying her with alcohol …then he attacked the woman whilst his partner retired to bed.
“It’s a shocking breach of trust and left the victim hugely distressed and struggling to come to terms with what had happened.
“She did the right thing in disclosing the offences to us and has been supported through the process by our specialist officers and RSVP in Birmingham – a charity that offers support and help to sexual violence survivors.
“The victim was a very credible witness at court and conducted herself impeccably…Nesbitt on the other hand kept changing his story and this clearly struck the jury.
“This case should act as reassurance to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted that we take all reports seriously and allegations will be thoroughly investigated.”
The Survivors Trust offers information, advice and supoprt to survoirs of rape and sexual abuse.
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Extra time to quiz terror suspects
Magistrates have granted police extra time to question five men arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Detectives from the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit appeared before London’s Westminster Magistrates Court via video link on Saturday (27 August) to submit their request for a warrant of further detention.
The men aged 18, 24, 28, 32 and 37 were arrested in Stoke and Birmingham on Friday as part of an intelligence led policing operation. Searches at addresses across Staffordshire and the West Midlands continue.
The seven day extension means that detectives can now hold the five until the morning of Friday 2 September.
Chief Superintendent Sue Southern, from West Midlands Police, said: "The arrests of the five men were intelligence led and our investigation continues at full pace."
Anyone with information about possible terrorist activity should call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline: 0800 789 321 or dial 999 in an emergency.
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Man charged with murder over fatal Birmingham stabbing
A man will appear before magistrates tomorrow (Mon 29 Aug) charged with stabbing another man to death outside a Birmingham off licence.
Alexander Habte, of Conybere Street in Highgate, was charged with murder last night by West Midlands Police detectives investigating the attack outside RK Wines in Summer Lane, Newtown, on Tuesday evening (23 Aug).
The 19-year-old has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court in the morning.
Police have now named the victim as 26-year-old local man Samuel Simret; a post mortem examination confirmed he died from a single stab wound to the chest.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Joyce, from the West Midlands Police Force CID, said: “Clearly the decision to charge a man over the murder is a significant development − however we are still trying to piece together the circumstances that led up to the incident. I would urge anyone with information who has yet to contact police, or any witnesses, to call my team on the 101 number."
DCI Joyce and his team can be contacted on 101 or information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Family praise WMP after Police Dog recovers stolen phone
A thankful family has praised West Midlands Police after their expensive new phone was found by a police dog after being tracked across Birmingham by officers.
The Akhtar family from Surrey had been visiting Cadbury’s World in Bournville when their state-of-the art £700 iphone was swiped on 14 August.
They flagged down passing PC Karl Such - who was about to end his shift - in Edgbaston and explained the phone, containing important information, had been stolen and that they were trying to trace its location through an app on another mobile phone.
The officer stepped in and provided a running commentary of its movements to fellow dog handler PC Chris Abbott who had set off in pursuit with two-year-old police dog Gen and traffic police bikers.
After following the tracking instructions across Birmingham including Aston, the City Centre and finally Quinton, they were led to a park off Tennel Lane.
Following a thorough search of the area, PD Gen managed to find the iphone hidden near a children’s play area.
Restaurant owner Gohar Akhtar - who was with his wife Ayesha and 12-year-old son Asad at the time - praised police for their determination to help.
"We are really grateful to West Midlands Police; they went far beyond what we could ever have imagined to get the phone back," he said.
"It is not just the monetary value... it is really important for me due to the information and contacts on it.
"I am just so grateful to everyone who helped - from the officers and of course Gen who managed to find it - and I can’t praise West Midlands Police enough."
Chief Inspector Nick Rowe, from West Midlands Police, said: "This just goes to highlight the dedication and lengths our officers are prepared to go to help the public.
"We strive to deliver the best service we possibly can and this was great work by officers who monitored the phone as it moved across Birmingham before locating it hidden in a park. Gen proved what a nose she has for the job by managing to find the phone which was placed out of sight.
“I am proud of them and their commitment to helping people in the West Midlands - including visitors to the area.
“It is nice to hear the kind words from Mr Akhtar and we are just pleased we were able to help in this way."
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Appeal for information following shooting in Birmingham
An investigation has been launched after a man was shot in Birmingham in the early hours of this morning (Monday 29 August).
An 18-year-old man was taken to hospital after being shot in the leg in Thorp Street at just after 4.10am.
The man was found in the street with non-life threatening injuries and is in a stable condition. The scene is currently sealed off as part of the investigation.
Inspector Christian Wilkins, from West Midlands Police, said: "We believe this to be a targeted attack and fortunately the man’s injuries are not life threatening.
"We have conducted a detailed forensic search of the area, Thorpe Street at Hurst and Bristol Street will remain closed this morning as part of the investigation."
Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Huge fall in metal theft as grip tightens on rogue dealers
Rates of metal theft across the region have plummeted following a West Midlands Police crackdown on the illegal scrap trade.
In late 2012 the force was registering an average of more than 350 metal crimes a month - but that figure fell to just 60 a month at the end of last year.
The dramatic reduction is on the back of Operation Steel - a West Midlands Police initiative that sees officers working closely with scrap dealers and coming down hard on any shown to be offering a market for stolen metal.
Sgt Sean Lowe and PC Richard Narrowmore at a scrap yard in Dudley
The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 has created tighter controls around scrap metal sites and collectors who need a licence from the local authority.
Police teams across the West Midlands have carried out spot inspections at scrap yards on the lookout for metal thieves’ favourites like lead stripped from properties and copper cable stolen from telecoms and transport operators.
And scrap metal collection vans have also been targeted during regular action days as Op Steel officers assess the legitimacy of their cargo and run vehicle checks.
Temporary Superintendent Phil Dolby, who leads Operation Steel, said: “Regular checks of vehicles and scrap sites, along with new legal powers, have helped us combat metal theft and deter thieves.
“Any scrap metal yards operating illegally or found to have taken stolen metal face being taken to court…and that’s helping really restrict the market for thieves and made metal theft less attractive.
“Metal theft is not a victimless crime: thefts from iconic community buildings like churches or mosques can be harmful to a community, while stealing cables can cut off the internet, leading to losses of millions of pounds for some companies.
"There is also the public safety element: for example, if manhole covers are removed it could lead to a serious car accident or injury to pedestrians.
“We want to support the industry which is largely very hard working and honourable. But if you are looking to exploit this industry through criminality there is zero tolerance and with our partners we will catch you."
Cables theft has hit public transport, residents and businesses such as telephone and broadband companies.
Among those benefitting from the fall in crime is BT’s local network business, Openreach, which has worked closely with West Midlands Police and other organisations and deployed a variety of new technologies to beat the criminals.
Bernie Auguste, General Manager for security services at Openreach said: “There’s no doubt new laws have had a positive impact, and that collaborative working with West Midlands Police, Crimestoppers and other organisations has played a key part in helping to reduce the number of crimes on our regional network.
“We’re also using new technology more widely, including systems that highlight any unusual activity within our cables. As a result of these and other measures, nationally we’ve seen a significant downward trend in the number of attacks on our network in the past four years.
“While we have many effective security measures that we continually evolve and innovate, cable theft is still a nationwide problem that affects our customers and we will continually to work closely with police to identify and tackle this crime."
The reduction in metal thefts has been welcomed by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson.
He said: “Metal theft has a huge impact on its victims. Those responsible have no regard for their targets, with churches, war memorials and people’s homes all hit by those on the hunt for copper and lead. It costs the victims time, money and considerable heartache.
“It also has an effect on the transport network, with thieves stealing metal cables from the motorways and rail tracks.
“Tackling business crime is a top priority for me and I know of several companies that have lost thousands to metal thieves. This news is therefore thoroughly welcome and I want the good work of the Operation Steel team to continue."
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Help us catch cruel thugs who targeted disabled woman and mum
Detectives are appealing for the public’s help to trace heartless thugs who tried to steal a specially adapted disability vehicle from the mum of a cerebral palsy sufferer.
The men struck just before 11pm on Wednesday (24 August) in Oxford Grove, Chelmsley Wood, when they threatened the woman with what’s believed to be a taser-type weapon.
She fled to a nearby flat but when the attackers failed to start the VW Caddy − which still had its tailgate and wheelchair ramp down − they hammered on the door and demanded the 45-year-old return to help.
It’s understood the men − described as white and in their late teens or early 20s − left in a dark coloured car that had been parked at the end of Oxford Grove cul-de-sac.
Detective Constable Rhett Collier said the incident had left both mother and her 25-year-old daughter − who needs around the clock care − severely distressed.
He said: “It’s hard to imagine a more callous act…trying to steal a specially adapted car that the family of a disabled lady rely on for her transport.
“The woman had just dropped her daughter back off at home, and helped her to bed, when she returned to the VW Caddy. One man pointed some kind of stun gun at her and made threats, while another banged on the flat door.
“The victim tells me that her daughter, who heard the banging and commotion, has been left very scared by the incident and now needs additional night-time care as a result. She has struggled to sleep since.
“I need to know who was responsible for this. If anyone suspects who may be involved − or has heard about the incident − I’d urge them to contact me as soon as possible.
“People who are prepared to stoop to such levels do not deserve protection and I’d ask anyone with information to look at their conscience and contact me so we can catch the heartless people involved."
Detectives believe that two men were directly involved in the attack but that two other men were waiting in the vehicle.
Anyone with information is asked to call DC Collier in the Investigation Team at Solihull police station on the 101 number, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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Families among those jailed in drug crime blitz
Entire families are among 62 people and sentenced to almost a century behind bars in a Sandwell blitz on drug dealers and criminals.
Mothers and sons, partners, brothers and brothers-in-law as well as cousins are among those made to pay for dealing drugs, handling stolen goods and other crimes.
Codenamed Spring Safer Six, the covert policing operation was months in the planning and was sparked by community concerns about kerbside drug dealing.
In addition to prison sentences totalling 89 years − with more yet to come - judges issued:
370 hours of unpaid work.
£1,140 in fines.
Four year-long community orders.
Four year-long supervision orders.
Two drug rehabilitation orders.
One criminal behaviour order with 17 more to be heard next month.
"With so many people appearing in court sentencing has taken over two weeks," said Chief Inspector Jane Parry from Sandwell Police.
"Typically when a person in sentenced for their crimes, that marks the end of the process. For Spring Safer Six the jail terms are just beginning!
"We’re now working with Sandwell Council to evict or warn those people who lost their right to a home when they chose to make their neighbours lives a misery by dealing drugs or committing other crimes on their doorsteps. Others have already left their council homes ahead of the imminent action.
"In March, 17 of those convicted will return to court as a judge decides whether to grant criminal behaviour orders banning them from certain areas to stop them and imposing other conditions to stop them offending when they’re released from jail.
"Our specialist Offender Management Unit is also on standby ready for the release of those targeted by the operation. They will work closely with drugs workers and others to make sure Spring Safer Six nominals stay on the straight and narrow."
With criminal proceedings complete Sandwell Police are now also looking to recover thousands of pounds in cash from nine people under the Process of Crime Act (PoCA).
The Act allows officers to seize the homes, cars and other assets - such as jewellery - of those convicted of crimes and who are unable to prove they bought the items by legitimate means.
Failure to comply with the court ordering the handover of cash can result in a further jail term.
The money recovered under PoCA is ploughed back into local community crime-fighting initiatives.
Sandwell Council Leader Councillor Darren Cooper said: "We welcome the prosecutions of these people which clearly demonstrate that crime doesn’t pay and drug dealers will be brought to justice.
"I would like to thank the police, council staff, our partners and members of the public who have helped bring this about."
Sixty-six people were arrested in six days of co-ordinated swoops across Birmingham and the Black Country in April and May 2015.
Hundreds of police officers and police staff from across the West Midlands were involved in the initiative.
To share the news of the convictions a giant mobile TV screen displaying the custody mugshots toured Oldbury, Rowley Regis, Smethwick, Tipton, Wednesbury and West Bromwich on Sunday (31 January) as officers urged people to come forward with even more information about criminals operating in the area.
To pay for their fixes, users would commit crimes like burglary and robbery stealing bikes, mobile phones and other valuables to sell on.
As part of the operation officers seized hundreds of items of suspected stolen property.
Hope Church on Marsh Lane in Hateley Heath was turned into a temporary Aladdin’s cave with victims of crime invited along to see if their valuables were some of those recovered.
The event was even streamed live over the internet by the force prompting the owners of a £2,000 electric powered mountain bike, a BMX and power tools to come forward.
To report those responsible for crime call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Four people convicted as part of Spring Safer Six will be sentenced for their crimes next month.
For advice and support breaking free from drugs visit: www.sandwell.gov.uk/healthysandwell
For exclusive photographs and films from the raids along with custody image of those sentenced visit the Spring Safer Six Flickr album.
Details of those who were found or pleaded guilty as part of Spring Safer Six:
Andrew Baker (M), 33, unemployed of Ramsey Close, West Bromwich. Handed a 12 month community order and a 12 month supervision order for being concerned in the supply of cannabis. He was also ordered to undertake 100 hours of unpaid work.
James Brennan (M), 29, unemployed of no fixed address. Adjourned until next week.
Justin Brook (M), 30, unemployed of Grace Road, Tipton, Sandwell. Jailed for 18 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
Reece Cherrington (M), 21, unemployed of Wallace Road, Bradley, Wolverhampton. Jailed for 18 months for supplying cannabis.
Brandon Coates (M), 19, unemployed of Bassett Crescent, Hateley Heath, West Bromwich. Jailed for six months (suspended for 12 months) for conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Liam Coates (M), 21, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for six months for conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Gareth Dawson (M), 29, unemployed of Sandfield Road, West Bromwich. Jailed for 22 months for conspiracy to hande stolen goods, being concerned in the supply of cannabis and supplying crack cocaine.
Daniel Delahaye (M), 27, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for 40 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
Gary Delahaye (M), 49, unemployed of Wellington Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham. To be sentenced 11 March for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
Dion Dixon (M), 25, unemployed of Wedgbury Close, Wednesbury. Jailed for 36 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and possession with intent to supply cannabis.
Shane Dukes (M), 21, unemployed of Arron Manby Court, Princess End, Tipton. Jailed for nine months for conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Jacob Fogoe (M), 23, unemployed of Wyrley Road, Witton, Birmingham. Jailed for 24 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
Wendy Gibbons (F), 42, unemployed of Beacon View Road, Charlemont Farm, West Bromwich. Jailed for 24 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin.
Jaskirandeep Gill (M), 22, unemployed of Middle Meadow, Tipton. Handed a 12 month community order and a 12 month supervision order as well as being fined £500 and given a 30 day activity requirement.
Zoheeb Habib, (M), 24, unemployed of Wilson Road, Lozells, Birmingham. Jailed for 30 months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.
Daquarn Hamil-Smith (M), 21, unemployed of Rollason Road, Erdington, Birmingham. Jailed for 12 months (suspended for two years) and ordered to completed 150 hours unpaid work for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.
Philip Harper (M), 23, unemployed of Chapel Street, West Bromwich. Jailed for 10 months (suspended for two years) for conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Claire Hickman (F), 30, unemployed of Hamstead Road, Great Barr, Birmingham. Jailed for 20 months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.
Robert Hill, (M), 43, Unemployed of Carisbrooke Road, Wednesbury. Jailed for 32 months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.
Stacey Hilton (F), 28, unemployed of Sandfield Road, West Bromwich. Jailed for 18 months (suspended for 12 months) with a 30 specified activity order being concerned in the supply of cannabis and crack cocaine, and possession of cannabis.
Ashley Howen (M), 29, unemployed of Hartlebury Road, Lion Farm Estate, Oldbury. Jailed for 30 weeks, fined £150 and handed an indefinite criminal behaviour order for conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Issam Ali Irfan (M), 27, unemployed of Dale Street, Wednesbury. Jailed for 24 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
Kelly Jesson (F), 27, unemployed of Grace Road, Tipton, Sandwell. Jailed for 18 months (suspended for two years) for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
Jaspal Singh Johal (M), 41, unemployed of Langdon Gardens, Oldbury. Jailed for 30 months for conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to supply amphetamine.
Amandeep Kaur Gill (F), 23, unemployed of St Mark’s Road, Smethwick. Jailed for 32 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin.
Stuart Lawley (M), 30, factory worker of Young Street, West Bromwich. Jailed for 24 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin.
Andrew Lilley (M), 27, unemployed of Campville Crescent, West Bromwich. Jailed for 15 months for possession with intent to supply cannabis and supplying cannabis.
Darren Lilley (M), 24, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for 12 months for breach of an existing anti-social behaviour and conspiracy to handle stolen good.
Stacey Mansell (M), 39, unemployed of The Green, Darlaston, Wednesbury. Jailed for 28 monthsfor conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin.
Stefan Mason (M), 41, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for five years and seven months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
Keith Melia (M), 52, unemployed of Windmill Street, Wednesbury. To be sentenced next month for conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to supply amphetamine and production of cannabis.
Ricky Millard (M), 27, unemployed of Campville Crescent, West Bromwich. Jailed for four months for breach of an existing anti-social behaviour order.
Edgar Milkis (M), 33, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for 18 months for being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.
Anthony Noon (M), 36, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for 30 months for the supply of crack cocaine, breach of suspended sentence, battery, witness intimidation and obstructing a police officer.
Adam Padmore (M), 34, unemployed of Beacon View Road, West Bromwich. Jailed for 18 months for supplying cannabis and possession of cannabis.
Jasbir Singh Rai (M), 47, factory worker of Queens Road, Tipton, Dudley. Jailed for 32 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin.
Martyn Rawle (M), 32, unemployed of Willows Close, Cradley Heath. Jailed for 39 months for supplying crack cocaine, supplying heroin and handling stolen goods.
Andraias Reid-Watson (M), 33, unemployed of West Road, Tipton, Jailed for 26 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
Reece Roberts (M), 23, unemployed of Primrose Lane, Scotlands, Wolverhampton. Jailed for 54 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and possession with intent to supply crack cocaine.
Carl Russell (M), 37, unemployed of Friar Park Road, Wednesbury. Handed a 12 month community order and a 12 month supervision order for handling stolen goods.
Richard Russell (M), 23, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for six months for conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Wayne Russell (M), 40, unemployed of Campville Crescent, West Bromwich. Jailed for 15 months for conspiracy to handle stolen goods, theft from a motor vehicle and breach of a suspended sentence.
Jordan Smith (M), 20, unemployed of Essex Avenue, Hateley Heath. Jailed for seven months for conspiracy to handle stolen goods and breach of an existing criminal anti-social behaviour order.
Aaron Stokes (M), 27, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for six months conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Hamza Sufi (M), 24, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for 10 months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.
Scott Timmins, (M), 25, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for 12 months for 12 months for conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Nico Thomas (M), 24, unemployed of Inchcape Avenue, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham. Jailed for 18 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
Nicola Turner (F), 42, of Primrose Lane, Bushbury, Wolverhampton. She will be sentenced at a date yet to be set for possession with intent to supply crack cocaine.
Mahboob Raja Walayat (M), 24, unemployed of Westminster Rd, Handsworth, Birmingham. Jailed for 36 months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.
Mark Wilkes (M), 32, unemployed of Pavillion Avenue, Smethwick. Jailed for 16 months (suspended for two years) for conspiracy to supply cocaine.
Shaun Whinnery (M), 48, unemployed of Beaconview Road, Charlemont Farm, West Bromwich. Jailed for nine months for burglary and taking a car without the owner’s consent.
Stephen Whinnery (M), 52, unemployed of Beaconview Road, Charlemont Farm, West Bromwich. Jailed for two years and nine months for supplying crack cocaine and cannabis, and conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Craig Wise (M), 28, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for nine months for conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Arfan Zafar (M), 26, of Archibald Road, Lozells. Birmingham. Jailed for 42 months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine, and breach of a suspended sentence.
Three men were under 18-years-old when they committed their crimes and therefore cannot be named:
One from Hill Top, West Bromwich was handed a 12 month rehabilitation order and ordered to undertake 60 hours of unpaid work.
One from Hateley Heath, West Bromwich was jailed for six months (suspended for one year) and ordered to complete 60 hours unpaid work for conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
A third, from Bradley in Wolverhampton was jailed for 13 months for conspiracy to handle stolen goods and breach of an existing criminal anti-social behaviour order.
Four people were sentenced at the time and have completed their punishment:
A 31-year-old man from Southey Close, Willenhall, Walsall was handed a 12 month supervision order, was tagged and ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £145 costs for handling stolen goods.
A 33-year-old man from Wylde Crescent, Rowley Regis in Warley was fined £200 for handling stolen goods.
A 48-year-old woman from Willows Close, Cradley Heath was tagged and given a 14 day night time curfew banning her from leaving her home as well as receiving a community order and an £85 fine for cannabis production.
A 38-year-old man from Cumberland Road, Hateley Heath was handed a six month community order and ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £180 in court costs for production of cannabis.
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JAILED: Convicted £2m tax dodging businessman hit with decade behind bars
A man who built a Buckingham Palace style mansion by dodging taxes has been jailed for a decade after he failed to pay back the whopping £2 million he owed to the public coffers.
Mohammed Suleman Khan (pictured) was handed a four year sentence in April 2014 after West Midlands Police discovered he had cheated the taxman to the tune of around £450,000.
In addition to the jail sentence Khan was ordered to pay back the cash by 10 October 2015 or face an additional default sentence of 10 years in prison.
When Khan failed to meet the deadline, detectives from the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) and specialist prosecutors from the Crown Prosecution Service's Proceeds of Crime unit (CPSPOC) brought the 43-year-old back before the court.
And on Thursday (5 February) magistrates in Birmingham imposed the 10 years default sentence.
Khan was also found to still be liable for the £2,209,090.00, which is growing by a staggering £484.18 a day in interest.
Efforts are now underway to seize the assets of the ‘businessman’ which, when sold, will see the cash ploughed back into crime fighting.
Detective Inspector Jonathan Jones, from the ROCU, said; “The court’s findings have proved to be a punishing blow for Khan who has been found to have deliberately swerved tax and national insurance payments.
“Every other hard working person has to pay these bills which fund essential services like the NHS. For some reason Khan though he was above the laws which bind us all.”
The case dates back to 2011 when Khan was arrested from his gated Edgbaston residency on suspicion of money laundering.
The lengthy police probe - sparked by the concerns of local people - found evidence of tax and national insurance evasion.
Detectives from Force CID worked with HM Revenue and Customs officials to look into the finances of the Birmingham born debt collector and businessman who claimed to have an annual income of no more than £40,000.
But despite finding 13 paper wraps banks use to secure £1,000 bundles all bearing the same date stamp, and after scrutinising phone and computer records, there were limited financial records leading investigators to believe that Khan only used cash and had few assets.
Determined to uncover the truth, detectives worked with the social policy research charity, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, to compare cost of living fees with his lifestyle and established that to maintain his lavish standard of living would require earnings in excess of £1 million over the nine year period between 2001 and 2012.
The inquiry also uncovered plans for a house the size of Buckingham Palace in Ghorghusti in the Attok region of Pakistan (pictured).
The blueprints showed the mansion which boasted its own cinema, library, servants’ quarters and even a guard house for a private security team.
Experts estimated that construction would have cost £2.3 million although there was no official record of ownership.
Talking about their bid to return the cash to public finances, James Francis, from Crown Prosecution Service's Proceeds of Crime unit, said: “Just over one year ago CPSPOC and ROCU formed a unique team, placing specialists side by side to work on complex asset recovery cases with the aim to see justice done quickly and efficiently by reducing cost and sharing information.
“The results have been phenomenal so far and whilst Mr Khan has failed to pay his sum, the activation of the default sentence is just the start of a process designed to strip him of his criminal gains.
“This success should serve as a warning to others. We’ll make sure crime doesn’t pay. We will pursue so-called ‘crime lords’ and take back their ill-gotten gains for the benefit of local people.”
For more information on the Regional Organised Crime Unit and how Midlands police forces, the CPS and others are taking down some of region’s major criminals visit: www.wmrocu.org.uk
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Schools across Birmingham and the Black Country targeted by bomb hoaxes
Seven schools have been targeted by bomb hoaxers this morning (Monday 8 February).
The calls – received by each of the schools – were made from around 8am.
As with the previous alerts each call was immediately and individually assessed by the force’s specialist intelligence cell and counter terrorism experts.
Again there was no credibility to the threats which are believed to be linked to those made across the UK on January 19, 26 and 28 and February 1.
“The details of the latest calls have been relayed to the South West Counter Terrorism Unit which is the national lead for these linked alerts,” said Chief Superintendent Matt Ward.
“We will continue to support their on-going, thorough and lengthy investigation.”
Two weeks ago West Midlands Police wrote to all parents – sending out the letters via all seven local councils – providing them with an update and issuing them with advice about what to do and what not to do should their school be subject to one of the current spate of hoaxes.
“The decision about whether to evacuate or not remains with the school on the basis of their individual plans and our advice that these are hoaxes,” added Chief Supt Ward.
“We fully support head teachers whatever they decide in this difficult situation.”
Schools are some of the safest and most secure public spaces with well-rehearsed safety plans in place to deal with a range of emergencies. Staff are highly trained and the wellbeing of students is their top priority.
The schools will update parents at the earliest available opportunity but disruption to learning will be kept to a minimum.
Parents are urged not to call the police for updates nor should they attend the school unless specifically asked to by staff.
You can find out more about how schools, the council and you can prepare for emergencies here: www.gov.uk/local-planning-emergency-major-incident
Anyone with information, which may aid officers investigating the calls, should contact police on 101.
The schools affected:
Leasowes High School in Dudley.
Holly Lodge Foundation High, Oldbury Academy and Perryfields High Schools in Sandwell.
Edgbaston High School for Girls, King David and Kind Edwards Boys Schools in Birmingham.
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Police postcard to crooks asks: “Prison…wish you were here?"
West Midlands Police is reaching out to crooks with a postcard warning they’ll soon be back behind bars unless they ditch their criminal ways.
Postcards have been sent to 150 convicted offenders in Sandwell − some of whom have only just been released from jail − urging them to switch to the ‘straight and narrow’ or face more time in prison.
They’ve been distributed just a week after 62 people across Sandwell were convicted in a blitz on drug dealers in the borough.
The cards outline the recent success of Spring Safer Six − a covert operation sparked by local tip-offs − to target drugs dealers and other criminals operating across the borough.
Mothers and sons, brothers, partners and even cousins were among those jailed for almost 100 years.
"The message from police is clear," said Chief Inspector Jane Parry, who led the crime crackdown.
"If you make the lives of local law abiding people a misery, they will tell us and we will take action."
But it’s not all tough talk on the card. Those who do want to turn their lives around are being offered help as Chief Insp Parry explained: "We know that some criminals make definitive choices and actively pursue a life of crime. Others just make bad choices. They fall into crime by dropping out of education, mixing with the wrong crowd, becoming addicting to drink or drugs and so on.
"Many of these people don’t actually want to be living in constant fear of being arrested or always looking over their shoulder to see if a rival is seeking retribution.
"While the postcards primarily warn recipients that if they continue to offend they will be arrested, they also offer a helping hand to those who want to make a fresh start in life free from crime.
"Our expert offender managers can put them in touch with drug groups to break their cycle of crime to fund their addiction. They can also signpost them to training providers, call in the support of the Princes Trust and more."
Offender managers are specialist police officers who work alongside the probation service and others to stop those who have completed their sentence from re-offending. They also act as a rapid response force to quickly return those released on licence to prison should they break the terms of their release.
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Police hit back at unsafe Selly Oak claims
Birmingham Police have branded claims that they are not tackling crimes in Selly Oak as “unfair”.
Officers have spoken out following inaccurate reports that crime in the area has rocketed over recent weeks.
Figures for robberies, burglaries and all crimes spanning six years paint a different picture.
“I understand people’s crime concerns and while one crime is clearly one too many, the figures speak for themselves,” said Superintendent Paul Minor from Birmingham Police.
“All crimes across Selly Oak are down since modern crime recording methods were introduced in 2010. What we’ve seen over the past three months is a slight rise – a rise often seen across the UK in winter – but a rise that we’re tackling robustly.”
There were 26 burglaries probed last month - an increase of four from the previous month. In January 2015 there were 13.
“It’s unfair to suggest that Selly Oak is Birmingham’s crime hotspot,” added Supt Minor.
“It needs to be remembered that the figures are somewhat skewed by the very fact that student houses are classed as multiple dwellings. This means that if a burglar strikes, then all of the people living there who have had property stolen would be counted individually making the numbers appear higher – even though there has only been one offence. This isn’t the case when a family home is targeted.
“Given the number of people who live in the area and the issue of multiple dwellings, crime rates compare favourably to other areas in the city.”
Robbery rates have also been a raised as a cause for concern by locals. Again the figures show that robbery rates have remained static.
In January detectives investigated seven robberies across the area. This was three more than December and just one more than the previous January.
“There will be people who claim that the are figures are so low because people are not reporting offences to police. There is no evidence for this,” added Supt Minor.
“Burglary and robbery rates are good indicators of what is actually happening on the streets. This is because people need to report them to police to be able to make insurance claims. This is just as true for students as anybody else.”
Officers are working around the clock to keep people living in the area – including students – safe with uniformed and plain clothed patrols taking place at all hours of the day.
CCTV is constantly monitored and student wardens also patrol the area.
For student specific safety advice visit: www.saferstudents.co.uk or follow @saferstudents on Twitter.
For the latest crime figures visit: www.police.uk
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Force sets out plans for the year
WMP has launched its annual strategic assessment which sets out the force’s priorities for the coming year.
Entitled ‘Creating safe and healthy futures’, it focuses on reducing violence and investing in intervention strategies, it also highlights the importance of partnership working.
Issues such as the importance of early support and intervention are explored. It also addresses families that experience ‘severe and multiple disadvantage’ that can lead to them being excluded from society.
Chief Constable Dave Thompson commented: “This is the first time we have made our strategic assessment available to the public, illustrating our commitment to having an open dialogue with our communities and developing a modern relationship with the people we serve.
“We need to find new and different ways to work with our partners to better understand and be able to intervene in cases. It is no longer enough for the police to simply lock up criminals.”
“The document takes a real life example of a boy growing up in the West Midlands who becomes involved in violent crime. His experiences and circumstances have been studied and analysed using academic research and partner information. The resulting assessment looks at what his story tells us about how to address violence and a range of associated crimes through effective intervention.
“Using this real life case study has helped to reshape our thinking about how we and our partner agencies need to work differently together to improve how we stop other vulnerable children from experiencing harm.
“It is our collective duty to find a way to help families like this one to become active citizens in our communities.”
To view the strategic assessment please click here.
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Birmingham men jailed for ‘Ghost Broker’ insurance scam
Four men from Birmingham have been sentenced after a ghost-broker insurance scam was uncovered by detectives from the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), part of the City of London Police.
Mohammed Aquil, along with Amjad Hussain, Alwyn Snape and Anees Ahmed, conspired together to defraud insurance companies by providing false details and forged documents in order to get cheaper premiums for their motor insurance.
The main ghost broker and ‘architect’ behind the scam - Aquil - was making motor insurance applications on behalf of his ‘clients’ to get them cheaper car insurance deals. However, the reason he was able to get them cheaper deals was because he changed key information on the applications, such as the home address, dates of birth, or no-claims details.
He would then charge his ‘clients’ between £250-£500 for brokering the deal, but in reality, those people were holding invalid insurance because Aquil had provided false details to the insurance companies.
The scam was uncovered when investigators at Ageas noticed that three separate motor insurance policies had been taken out for Snape, Hussain and Ahmed. Common to all three policies was that their home address was in Birmingham, but the address where the vehicles were being stored overnight was stated as being at a holiday cottage in Somerset.
When asked by Ageas for proof that the vehicles were being kept at the Somerset location overnight, separate letters were sent back purporting to be from the manager of the holiday cottages stating that all three had been staying at the cottages long-term due to having jobs in the area.
However, when investigators contacted the cottage owners, they stated they had never heard of Snape, Hussain or Ahmed and when they saw the letters that had been sent to Ageas, they confirmed they were forgeries and hadn’t been written by them.
The cases were referred to IFED and officers found that all three policies had been opened via the Internet from the same IP address, which was linked to Aquil and that a debit account that was used to make an initial payment for one of the policies was also in Aquil’s name.
Officers raided his home address and seized his computers and phones. When they looked on his computer, detectives found several template documents that he had used for the fraudulent insurance applications.
When they examined his phone, officers also found hundreds of messages to people that he had been acting as a ghost broker for. When they carried out further checks, detectives found that Aquil had set up around 20 fraudulent policies.
Among these were the policies for Snape, Hussain and Ahmed. When they were questioned, all three admitted that they were fully aware of the false details Aquil had supplied and that they knew they would get cheaper insurance deals if they stated the vehicles were being kept at a different location overnight.
Police Staff Investigator Abdelkader Rezkallah, from IFED, who investigated the case said: “Aquil was making money by opening up insurance policies that contained false details and from the templates we found on his computer, it was clear he was doing this for a number of people and not just as a one-off.
“Snape, Hussain and Ahmed were also fully aware that they were providing false details to get cheaper insurance deals and as a result they all now have criminal records.
“If you think an insurance deal is too good to be true, then it probably isn’t. If you’re in any doubt, then check the broker is registered with the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA), otherwise you may end up driving uninsured.”
Paula Howett, Fraud and Risk Manager at Ageas Insurance Limited said: “Cases such as this demonstrate how important it is for insurers to stay ahead of fraudsters and their ever-evolving tactics. Ageas uses a combination of anti-fraud measures at point of sale and claim, including investment in a dedicated underwriting team and training of astute claims handlers with the skills to pick up the signs of fraud. In this way we help to ensure innocent policyholders are not paying for the dishonesty of a select few.
“This case in particular highlights how ghost brokers can operate and take vast amounts of money from unsuspecting victims. However, thanks to the thorough work of our teams, and the support of Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), the fraudsters were caught. This is a great example of how Ageas and IFED continue to work together to combat fraud, and we are extremely pleased with the result.”
Mohammed Aquil, 29 (23/08/1986) of Wellington Road, Handsworth previously pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and possession of articles for use in fraud. He was sentenced on Wednesday 10 February, at Birmingham Crown Court to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months as well as being ordered to carry out a nine-month rehabilitation order, pay £500 in costs and pay a £100 victim surcharge.
Amjad Hussain 36 (14/07/1979) of Gilbert Road, Smethwick was sentenced to wear an electronic tag for one month with a curfew and Alwyn Snape 50 (29/07/1965) of Long Street, Birmingham and Anees Ahmed 43 (10/03/1972) of Trinity Road, Birmingham were sentenced to both carry out 40 hours of unpaid work; all three having all previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation. In addition, they were ordered to pay £220 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.
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Student to appear before court accused of copycat college bomb hoax
Police have charged a man in connection with a hoax bomb threat made to a college in Sandwell.
Scott McLaughlin, 20, from Cavendish Road, Edgbaston in Birmingham was arrested by officers on Wednesday (10 February) − the same day as the threats were made.
He has been charged with the offence of bomb hoax.
The case is not being linked to any of the recent telephone hoax call crimes at schools in the West Midlands.
He was bailed to appear at Sandwell Magistrates Court on Friday 26 February.
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Coventry man jailed for glassing fellow drinker in unprovoked pub attack
A man who glassed a fellow drinker in an unprovoked attack at a Coventry pub has been jailed for six years and eight months after pleading guilty to wounding.
Mark Morgan was drunk when he attacked a man in the early hours of Sunday 27 September last year in The Jaguar on Corporation Street.
He smashed a glass into the side of the 36-year-old’s face following an argument and then crouched down to repeatedly stab him with the remaining shards.
His innocent target suffered cuts across his head and face, a stab wound behind his right ear, a slash to his chest, and two slash marks across his back.
A member of staff who was on duty at the time and witnessed the assault described it as vicious and the worst she had ever seen.
Morgan, 42, from Sebastian Close, admitted the charge at Coventry Crown Court and was sentenced on Friday (5 Feb).
Detective Sergeant Michelle Kiedron, from Force CID in Coventry, who investigated the case, said: “The victim in this case was simply enjoying a quiet drink when Morgan launched an unprovoked attack, which was extremely violent and sustained.
“Thankfully he was able to get to his feet and run away, despite his serious injuries, leaving security staff to challenge Morgan and attempt to restrain him until police officers arrived just a few minutes later.
“Morgan claimed not to be able to remember much about what happened due to the amount of alcohol he’d been drinking that night and has indeed shown remorse for his actions. But his apology offers little comfort to man he attacked, who has been left deeply traumatised by the attack.
“He will now spend many years behind bars to reflect on his violent and unacceptable behaviour."
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Police launch Birmingham gun probe after man shot
Police are investigating after a man was shot in south Birmingham last night (Thursday).
Officers were called to a house address on Redhill Road, Hawkesley at around 10:20pm following reports of a man with gunshot wounds.
A 21-year-old man was taken to hospital with two gunshot wounds; one to his leg and one to his chest. He remains in hospital today (12 February) in a stable condition.
It is thought at this early stage that the shooting was a targeted attack and there is no threat to the wider community.
Detective Chief Inspector Sean Russell, from Force CID, is currently leading the investigation. He said: “We’re very keen to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything last night that may help with our investigation.
“There may be people out there who feel uneasy about coming forward. I would reassure those individuals we have a range of special measures that we can use to support them."
“Firearms have no place on the streets of Birmingham. There must be no let-up in our approach to tackle gun crime and it remains an absolute priority for us.”
Anyone who can assist the police investigation should call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Walsall group convicted of terror offences
Four people, two men and two women from Walsall, have been convicted of Syria related terrorism offences at court today (Wednesday 24 February).
Ayman Shaukat, aged 27, from Pargeter Street, was found guilty of helping to facilitate a network to enable people to travel to Syria and engage in terrorism, following a three week trial at the Old Bailey in London. One of the men who is believed to have travelled to Syria is Sajid Aslam, who is suspected to be fighting with terrorists.
Fellow defendant Alexander Nash, aged 22, of Bentley Road, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to preparing for acts of terrorism.
Lorna Moore, aged 33, from Glebe Street, who is married to Aslam, was found guilty of failing to disclose information about her husband’s planned travel to the conflict zone.
A second woman, Kerry Thomason, aged 24, from an undisclosed address, had also pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to assisting her husband, Isaiah Siadatan, to travel to Syria and engage in acts of terrorism.
He is also believed to have joined IS with Aslam and another man known to the group, Jacob Petty.
Both Siadatan and Petty are reported missing, believed to be in Syria.
The police investigation
The police investigation, which was led by a small team of officers from the force’s counter-terrorism unit, began in July 2014, when officers were contacted by the concerned parents of another member of the Walsall group, Jacob Petty, who had been reported missing and believed to be in Syria.
Evidence found that Petty, then aged 25, flew from Birmingham to Athens, then onto Cairo, before arriving in Turkey in August 2014.
It was discovered that Petty had already travelled extensively, including a trip to Kenya in 2011 with two other men including Sajid Aslam. Petty was deported home after he was found to have been too close to the Somali border and was suspected of being a terrorist.
Petty had not told his family where he was going in the summer of 2014, but emailed them to say he would not be coming back to the UK.
The last contact he had with his family was in December 2014, where he was using the name Abu Yaqoob Britany.
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Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale, who leads on counter-terrorism across the West Midlands, said: “As a result of these enquiries, counter-terrorism investigating officers discovered Ayman Shaukat’s instrumental role in helping organise travel plans for other members of this group, including Nash and Aslam’s preparation for acts of terrorism.
“Further investigations revealed both Kerry Thomason’s role in assisting her husband Siadatan’s plans to prepare for acts of terrorism and Lorna Moore’s knowledge of Sajid Aslam’s, preparation for suspected engagement in terrorism.”
Kerry Thomason
Kerry Thomason, who underwent an Islamic marriage with Isaiah Siadatan and also is a mother to his young children; admitted to accompanying her husband to the airport and assisting him to commit acts of terrorism. Thomason, who was pregnant at the time, also sold and bought items in preparation for his travel, including mobile phones.
ACC Marcus Beale said: “In August 2014, her final acts of preparation for her husband’s travel were put in place; this included contacting her car insurance company to enquire as to the cost of removing Siadatan from the policy and using her father’s Argos store card to purchase a laptop which her husband took with him to Syria.
“On August 10, 2014 Siadatan travelled to Birmingham Airport accompanied by Thomason and, despite her subsequent efforts to join him, this would prove to be the last time she saw him.
"Thomason drove the vehicle home and Siadatan began his journey from Birmingham Airport to Cologne, in Germany and onwards to Istanbul. Once in Turkey financial transactions show Siadatan made his way across Turkey to Gaziantep near the Syrian border. Thomason subsequently contacted the car insurance company again and removed her husband from the policy, knowing he would not need to use the vehicle again.”
From recovered communications back to the UK, it was established that Siadatan made it into Syria and was training to be a soldier. Thomason maintained telephone and messaging contact with her husband throughout this period. In October 2014 evidence now shows Thomason began to make her own plans to join her husband. She opened new banks accounts including a credit card which was used on November 16 to book flights to Turkey for her and her two children, with onward travel to Iran.
On November 17, 2014, police and social services attended Thomason’s address and she admitted she was actually planning to visit Siadatan in Syria, via Turkey, not Iran.
In February 2015 Kerry Thomason was arrested on suspicion of assisting to prepare for an act of terrorism and charged and bailed to appear before court in June 2015.
Lorna Moore
The court heard how Lorna Moore had met Sajid Aslam in 2000 when they were both students in Manchester and she converted to Islam in 2003. The couple were married shortly afterwards and they had two children in quick succession. In 2013 she became pregnant with their third child.
It became evident, through a recording recovered in searches conducted at her home by counter-terrorism officers in November 2014, that as far back as 2010 Moore knew of Aslam’s desire to engage in acts of terrorism.
Other significant seizures during this search included mobile phones which highlighted the activities of this group with knowledge and engagement in acts of terrorism. In particular the examination of this media shed additional light on the involvement of Nash, Siadatan, Petty and Aslam, with regards to Turkey/ Syrian travel and related terrorism offences.
Although Moore had taken her children to Skegness at the time of her husband’s travel from the UK to Turkey/Syria, she was fully aware of his intentions and received messages providing her with contact details for Shaukat and Nash to provide her support in the absence of her travelling husband Aslam.
On return from Skegness, Shaukat’s contact with Moore and arrangements for returning property to her was evidence of this. Skype calls also proved her continued contact with Aslam after he had travelled.
Ayman Shaukat
The court heard how Ayman Shuakat, an insurance clerk, was a thread through the whole of this investigation, acting as a facilitator to enable his associates to travel to Syria in a bid to join Islamist rebel forces.
Shaukat had met Alex Nash and Moore’s husband, Sajid Aslam, through a group of associates in Walsall; a gathering of ‘like-minded’ local individuals, which met independently at a meeting room in the town.
ACC Marcus Beale said: “Having taken Aslam to the airport for his flight out of the UK in August 2014, the communication Shaukat had with Aslam and Nash immediately afterwards provided officers with the springboard for the case.
“His use of coded language in messages with Aslam, his receipt of a link to a video ‘I made It’ from Aslam shortly afterwards, the groups shared collection of extremist mind-set material found at his home address and most notably his arrangements for the retention, disposal and delivery of his travelling associates property became the foundation of the prosecution case against them.
“His delivery of Nash to the airport in November 2014 was surrounded by the same pattern of activity as observed with Aslam’s travel earlier. In particular the use of coded communication and the disposal, retention and delivery of their items property, highlighted Shaukat’s role."
Alexander Nash
Alexander Nash, who converted to Islam at the age of 18, had first been arrested for attempting to travel to Syria in November 2014. He was stopped at the Turkish border in a town called Gazientep, a known access route to Syria. Nash was detained and deported from Turkey and when flown back to Heathrow, was arrested by West Midlands CTU officers.
Nash was interviewed about his suspicious travel to Turkey and related matters, before being charged with passport offences. The passport had been stolen from his brother, which he had used to help leave the UK to go to Turkey. Nash later pleaded guilty to this offence and was sentenced to 20 months in jail.
After his release from custody, officers continued to investigate the reason for his travel to Turkey, combining the examination and analysis of material from the related searches and investigations of his associates, led to his further arrest in June 2015.
Unemployed Nash was interviewed again before being charged with being involved in the commission and preparation of terrorism, namely travelling to Syria to fight against Syrian government forces.
In December 2015, Nash pleaded guilty to the offences relating to his preparation and travel in November 2014.
Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale, who leads on counter-terrorism across the West Midlands, said: “This was a complex and protracted police investigation by a small team of dedicated officers from the force’s CTU.
“Over a 14 month period a series of co-ordinated searches have been conducted in the Walsall area to gather evidence and disrupt activity, culminating in the prosecution case presented during this trial.
“I would like to thank the communities of Walsall for their patience and support shown to our officers while the investigation was on-going. Officers also worked closely with partner agencies in the town to safeguard vulnerable children who may have been put at risk if they had travelled to the area.”
He added: “Within this collective group, Shaukat played a pivotal role in enabling their travel, by carrying out lifts to the airport and arranging for their property to be disposed of and the cleaning of devices such as computers and phones, once they had left to hide evidence from police.”
Following the arrests officers seized over 1000 exhibits from home searches, including a number of mobile phones and laptops containing travel plans and messages.
Officers also recovered ideological material from Shaukat’s address including a book, ‘39 Ways to Serve and Participate in Jihad’ and other such publications. A search of his address also recovered a flag associated with the Islamic terror group.
ACC Beale said: “The investigation identified a number of people intent on travelling to Syria including vulnerable children to a conflict zone and be exposed to many dangers. Officers managed to intercept and disrupt further plans to travel.
“There is always the danger that our local people will be trained and come back and be a threat to the UK. We also need to be aware of the far reaching effects on local communities and the families of those involved.
“In recent months we have seen the dangers of trained terrorists returning to Europe to commit acts of terrorism which emphasises how important it is for officers to prevent travel.
“If anyone is concerned that a friend or family member is thinking of travelling to Syria it is very important that they tell us as soon as possible. Police and other agencies can offer support to help safeguard those who are vulnerable to radicalisers.
“The sooner we can intervene, the better chance we have of preventing people from becoming embroiled in the conflict and facing potential prosecution."
A woman arrested and charged at the same time as Nash and Shaukat was told before the trial she faced no further action after her evidence was reviewed.
Anyone concerned about someone travelling to, or returning from, Syria or another conflict zone or is worried about someone showing signs of being radicalised should contact their local police on 101 or visit www.preventtragedies.co.uk to access relevant support and advice.
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