NOTE: Not one person, police or otherwise, were shot. Lets see the same harsh sentencing for gang members caught with guns in T&T
A gang who shot at officers during last summer's riots have been given sentences of up to 30 years for what a judge described as a "concerted attack on the police".
The men "lured" the officers to a pub fire in Birmingham before opening fire.
Judge William Davis jailed all six at Birmingham Crown Court for a range of offences including rioting, reckless arson and firearms possession.
Nicholas Francis, 26, described by the judge as "clearly a dangerous man", received 30 years; Jermaine Lewis, 27, and Tyrone Laidley, 20, were jailed for 23 years; Renardo Farrell, 20, and Wayne Collins, 25, were both jailed for 18 years while Amirul Rehman, 17, was jailed for 12 years.
Francis, Lewis, Laidley, Farrell, and Collins were convicted of riot, reckless arson and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Rehman was found guilty of riot and firearms possession with intent. All six were convicted at the same court following a six-week trial.
The court heard that the defendants were part of a group of 41 men - mostly masked and wearing hoods - who were rioting outside The Bartons Arms in Aston on the evening of August 9.
The judge said: "Members of the group attacked the building. They smashed windows, they went inside and ransacked the premises. They threw chairs and tables out on to the pavement. Other members of the group stayed on the pavement outside the building. Some threw missiles, bottles and the like, at a passing police car.
"The purpose of all this was not to loot or to steal. Nor was it mindless vandalism. The purpose, the common purpose, was to behave in such a way that the police would come to the scene and then to attack the police."
The judge said at least 12 shots were fired at officers from West Midlands Police and the force helicopter, and at least four handguns were used.
Judge Davis QC, said: "For all but one of these defendants the position is aggravated by the fact that they were party to arson at the Bartons Arms in circumstances which put the lives of those within the public house at risk. The defendants were completely indifferent to the welfare of those upstairs. All they were interested in was luring the police to the area."
