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Latest News > 07 June 12 - Birmingham riots: Men jailed over police shooting

Police surveillance video of the armed rioters

Five men and a teenager have been jailed after police were "lured" to a pub fire and shot at in Birmingham during riots last August.

The men, who were convicted of rioting, reckless arson and firearms possession, were given sentences ranging from 18 to 30 years at Birmingham Crown Court.

Amirul Rehman, 17, was sentenced to 12 years for riot and firearms offences.

Twelve shots were fired at police after a petrol bomb attack on the Bartons Arms, Aston.

Judge William Davis said the aim of the disorder was to draw police to Aston and attack them.

He told the court that at least four different firearms were used, at least 12 shots were fired and it was just good fortune nobody was injured.

Armed gang

He added that a "wave of lawlessness" had spread across many towns and cities and "severe penalties" had to be imposed to act as a punishment and a deterrent.

The five men were convicted of riot, reckless arson and possession of firearms with intent to endanger life.

Rehman, of Aston, was convicted of riot and firearms offences but cleared of arson. The teenager has been named after the judge lifted earlier reporting restrictions.

Nicholas Francis, 26, of Thetford Road, Great Barr, Birmingham, described by the judge as the most dangerous of the men, was jailed for 30 years.

Tyrone Laidley 20, of Chadsmoor Terrace, Nechells and Jermaine Lewis, 27, of Summerton Road in Oldbury were sentenced to 23 years.

Wayne Collins, 25, from Ouseley Close in Luton and Renardo Farrell, 20, of The Terrace, Finchfield, Wolverhampton, were jailed for 18 years.

In sentencing Mr Justice Davies said he had to take into account "the well being of the city of Birmingham" faced by an "armed gang prepared to act in this way".

Jurors in the six-week trial were shown CCTV footage of a gunman, said by the prosecution to be Laidley, firing at the police helicopter as it tracked suspects during disturbances in the early hours of 10 August.

Two other defendants, Joyah Campbell, 19, of Hanover Court, Aston, Birmingham, and a 17-year-old, were acquitted last week of riot, arson and firearms possession.

BBC