Three sentenced over Redditch shooting after bullet hits child’s car seat
Drug dispute led to gunfire over occupied car as trio helped gunman evade police
Three people have been sentenced for their roles in a Redditch shooting where a bullet passed through a car and stopped behind a child’s car seat during a drugs dispute.
Connor Donaldson, 27, of Hatton Close, Redditch, was jailed for 12 years at Worcester Crown Court on Monday (22 December) for three counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine), supply of class B drugs (cannabis) and assisting an offender.
Rhiannan James, 22, of Slimbridge Close, Redditch, received a two‑year sentence, suspended for two years, for being concerned in the supply of cannabis and assisting an offender.
Courtney Lloyd, 27, of Northleach Close, Redditch, was given 20 months, suspended for two years, for assisting an offender.
Police were called to Ombersley Close on 26 March 2024 after reports of gunshots. Three shots were fired over an occupied car; nobody was injured.
Detectives linked the shooting to a turf dispute between rival drug gangs and said Donaldson, James and Lloyd helped gunman Keelan Brookes evade officers.
Deago Martin, 22, and Brookes, 21, both from Birmingham, were found guilty of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. Brookes was also convicted of drug supply offences, while a third man, Kaine Simmonds, 26, was found guilty of class A drug supply and assisting an offender. They will be sentenced next year.
DCI Ben Arrowsmith said the case showed the “devastation that drug supply brings” and praised the investigation team and public for their help.