Ladywood drive by shooting gang lose appeal to have their sentences reduced

Three murderers have had their bid to get out of jail early quashed by the court of appeal - and told they will spend most of their adult life in jail.

Ishaan Bernard, Dior Jackson and Omarni Bernard Sewell were all jailed for life last April for the murder of Dante Mullings in Ladywood in May 2019.

The court heard how they plotted to murder Dante in a drive-by shooting.

They had denied conspiracy to murder but were found guilty by a jury and told they’d each spend a minimum of 29 years in jail.

Bernard (22), Jackson (23) and 26-year-old Bernard-Sewell had been granted a right to appeal their convictions by the High Court.

But the Court of Appeal today (11 Feb) dismissed those appeals and they will now serve their sentences in full.

Co-defendant Ayub Mahmoud, aged 20, didn’t appeal his conviction but had argued that his 26-year minimum jail term was too harsh.

Appeal Court judges also dismissed his plea so he’ll also now stay behind bars until at least the year 2047.

Why are the trio in jail?

Dante Mullings was in a car parked by shops in St Vincent Street West, Ladywood, at 5pm on 7 May 2019 when a gunman opened fire from a passing vehicle.

At least eight shots were discharged from a pistol aimed out of the VW Passat’s passenger window.

One bullet struck Mr Mullings in the lower back and, despite CCTV showing him sprint from the car and hurdle roadside barriers, he collapsed seconds later having suffered fatal internal injuries.

What has the investigating officer said about the case?

Detective Inspector Hannah Whtehouse from West Midlands Police  Homicide Unit led the investigation that saw the quartet convicted. She welcomed the Appeal Court’s decision.

She added: “We linked these men to the killing of Dante through meticulous CCTV and phone enquiries.

“Bernard and Bernard-Sewell were both prominent Birmingham gang members and we showed how they orchestrated the murder plot in revenge for a serious stabbing less than 24 hours earlier that left a friend critically ill in hospital.

“Jackson and Mahmoud also played roles in the murder conspiracy.

“These are dangerous men who worked together to kill someone. I’m pleased the Court of Appeal has decided justice has been served and they will spend many years in prison for what they did.

“I hope this will now help provide some closure for Dante’s family and friends.”

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