Gunmen in West Midlands riots face jail
Three men were facing jail today for their part in a gun attack that saw police shot at during the height of riots that rocked the West Midlands.
Three men were facing jail today for their part in a gun attack that saw police shot at during the height of riots that rocked the West Midlands. Please note the CCTV footage contains no sound.
Renardo Farrell, Nicholas Francis and Tyrone Laidley joined a gang of up to 30 yobs who firebombed a pub and opened fire towards officers and the force helicopter.
The pair rampaged through the streets of Birmingham with the mob, smashing up shops and buildings along the way.
Video footage showed gunmen taking aim at police and the moment thugs set fire to the Barton Arms pub, on High Street, Aston, as its landlord and his family hid.
Farrell, aged 19, of The Terrace, Finchfield; Francis, aged 26, of Thetchford Road, Great Barr, and Laidley, 20, of Nechells, Birmingham, will be sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court for offences of riot, possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered. A 17-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was also found guilty of riot and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.
A further three people, including one from Oldbury, remain on trial. A jury will continue with deliberations today.
