FIVE MEN, including four from south Birmingham who were arrested at gunpoint by National Crime Agency officers have been jailed for a total of 32 years.
The group had an array of weapons, including a loaded firearm, on them when they were held.
Carl Brookes, aged 38, from Northfield, Callum Meah, 26, from Stourbridge, Richard Davis, 36, from Rednal, Jordan Feeney, 28, from Northfield and Robert Clark, 32, from Northfield were held after NCA Armed Operations Unit officers stopped their BMW car in Muirfield Gardens, Kings Norton, on May 13, 2021.
Officers recovered a handgun, ammunition, knives and sledgehammer from the gang. The gun was loaded.
Clark was wearing a rolled up balaclava on his head, and had a knife in his inside pocket.
After being questioned all five were all charged with possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of prohibited ammunition, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
Clark was also charged with possession of an offensive weapon/bladed article.
All five men pleaded guilty and a judge at Birmingham Crown Court today (Thursday, December 8) handed the gang sentences ranging between seven years and five years 11 months.
NCA Birmingham Branch Commander Mick Pope said: “These men had a loaded gun, ammunition and an array of weaponry in their possession when they were arrested.
“There is no doubt in my mind that these men were dressed up and kitted out to cause somebody, somewhere, some harm and it is only the intervention of NCA officers that prevented this from happening.
“We know guns and knives are used in acts of serious violence and by violent criminals to coerce and intimidate, and taking such weapons off the streets of the West Midlands remains a priority for the NCA and our partners.”
He urged anyone with information about illegally held firearms to come forward and report it by calling police on 101 – 999 in an emergency – or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
