Pair convicted after failed shooting plot in Smethwick
Men face sentencing over firearms and drug charges
Two would-be hitmen have been convicted of firearms offences following an unsuccessful attempt at a shooting in Smethwick.
The men were parked on St Paul’s Road in the early hours of 23rd November last year when one mistakenly discharged the gun, injuring his accomplice.
The botched plan led to police intervention and arrests.
Investigations by the Major Crime Team revealed the vehicle being used was a stolen Mitsubishi Outlander and that the individuals intended to carry out a shooting.
Incriminating messages were discovered on one of the men's mobile phones, indicating their plans.
A subsequent search at one accomplice's address resulted in the discovery of crack cocaine.
In a separate incident on 2nd December, one of the men was involved in a pursuit with a Honda Accord, leading to the recovery of Class A drugs and a burner phone, which were discarded during the chase.
All three individuals went on trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, culminating in their convictions last Thursday, 21st May.
Adam Liaqat, 19, of Middlemore Road, Sandwell, was found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply, among other charges.
Asad Khan, 22, of Lones Road, West Bromwich, and Yakuba Sawaneh, 19, of Perry Common, were also convicted on related charges.
Sentencing is scheduled for 30th July.
DC Emily Fowler, from our MCT, said: “Through our enquiries we established Khan and Liaqat were in the stolen vehicle with a gun.
"There were messages which indicated they were on their way to shoot someone themselves, although we don’t know who that was.
“At some point, while the car was parked, the gun has gone off and Khan has been injured and the inside of the vehicle damaged.
“Khan made his own way to hospital and we started to establish exactly what happened.
“The pair had clearly put in a lot of pre-planning and preparation as a gun and ammunition had been acquired, and a car stolen and put on false plates.
“However, it went wrong when Liaqat appears to have accidentally shot Khan.
“Lives could have been lost as a result of Liaqat and Khan arming themselves with a gun, including Khan’s own. Illegally-owned weapons in the wrong hands can be extremely dangerous and it’s why we’re taking action all year-round to tackle gun crime and find offenders.
“It’s clear Liaqat, Khan and Sawaneh were all linked to drugs and he has also rightly been convicted for his illegal activity too. All three face losing their freedom and spending time behind bars.”