Gunman jailed for over three years for firearms offence in Alum rock, Birmingham

A gunman has been jailed for over three years for possession of a firearm following a disorder in Alum Rock, Birmingham, in July, 2023.

Wasim Akeel, 30, was sentenced to 45 months in prison at Birmingham Crown Court on 18 April (Thu) after pleading guilty.

Farhat Saleem, also 30, pleaded guilty for assisting an offender, and was given an 18-month suspended sentence and rehabilitation order.

The original incident occurred at around 3am on 1 July, 2023, at the junction of Jackson Road and Alum Rock Road, where witnesses reported that a disorder took place followed by a firearm discharge.

Following an investigation from officers, Akeel of Sarehole Road, Birmingham, and Saleem of Haddon Road, Maidenhead, were arrested on 4 October and later charged.

DC Vanessa Devitt, from the Major Crime Team, said: "Guns have no place on the streets of the West Midlands and the sentencing sends out a clear message that we are committed to removing guns from our communities.”

West Midlands Police are currently running Operation Target which takes a defiant stand against a range of serious and organised crime offences.

Anyone with information about serious and organised crime in their neighbourhood, should report it to via 101 or Live Chat. In case of an emergency, dial 999. Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously via the independent charity, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.