Four killers who murdered father-of-eight in drive-by shooting jailed for more than 100 years
Oldbury's Goodwin brothers and two other men have been jailed for more than 100 years over the murder of father-of-eight Anthony Sargeant.
The sentencing at Birmingham Crown Court sparked a scuffle in the public gallery and outside the courtroom.
The Goodwins along with Leon Riley, 21, of Bridgelands Way, Perry Barr and Keenan Anderson, 25, Albert Road, Handsworth, were sentenced to life for murder.
Connor Goodwin, 27, the oldest of the gang, was given a minimum term of 32 years, Michael, 26, will have to serve a minimum of 28 years, Riley 28 years and Anderson 32 years.
Judge Paul Farrer KC told the court he could not be sure who fired the fatal shot which killed Mr Sargeant outside his mother's home in Lea Bank, Birmingham.
He said: "Mr Sargeant was a devoted father-of-eight. His death has devastated his family. Mr Sargeant did not live at his mother's address so we don't know if he was the intended target."
Justice Farrer added: "This was a carefully planned shooting. Mr Sargeant died a week after the shooting after contracting sepsis, the direct consequence of the shooting. Within hours of his death Connor, Michael and Riley disposed of their mobile phones. The Mercedes from which the shots were fired has never been seen since. Steps were taken to frustrate the police in the destroying of evidence including cars and sim cards.
"I cannot be sure who fired the shot but all four defendants were equally culpable."
Also part of the execution squad was Dante Mullings, 23, who was shot dead in Ladywood in May 2019.
After killing Mr Sargeant the defendants, wearing gold chains and expensive tracksuits, partied in Hockley updating social media with pictures of themselves grinning to the camera.
Justice Farrer told Connor Goodwin: "From the evidence you gave I can tell you are an intelligent individual and I see no evidence of immaturity.
"You have two young children and they will be impacted on the sentence I give you but due to the seriousness of offence these are the consequences of your decisions."
Due to his learning difficulties Michael Goodwin needed help giving evidence on the stand and the judge recognised he "followed where others led" so gave him a minimum of 28 years instead of 30.
He said: "You have got an IQ of 55, which is in the lowest 0.5 per cent of the general public. I recognise your impairment might affect your judgement and understanding consequences of your actions.
"You have two children, ages one and four, and this sentence will impact them."
The court heard Michael Goodwin has 11 previous convictions for 28 offences for dishonesty and possessing a firearm when prohibited. Connor Goodwin has 11 previous convictions for 17 offences including affray and possession of a bladed article.
Whilst being led away the defendants blew kisses to their friends and family.
One family member shouted, "we'll see you at the weekend, we love you."
Justice Farrer praised West Midlands Police for its successful investigation which presented several challenges after the defendants tried to cover their tracks.
Det Insp Hannah Whitehouse, senior investigating officer, said: “We may never know why Mr Sargeant was murdered, but we have been able to prove that these men acted together, travelling in a convoy of two stolen cars across Birmingham to go to Rickman Drive, where Anthony Sargeant was shot.
“They have shown no remorse, denying the offence throughout.
“This investigation has been highly complex and challenging and it shows that West Midlands Police will relentlessly pursue those responsible for using firearms on our streets.”
Ian Head, NABIS Head of Intelligence, Governance and International Development, said: “Firearms very often move around the UK from place to place and from crime group to crime group and once recovered NABIS are able to ballistically link them to previous firearms discharges.
“Evidence recovered from scenes allows NABIS to forensically link firearms that have been used in previous shootings. Upon receiving the evidence into our facilities NABIS forensic experts are able to connect scenes using state of the art technology.
“Firearms have unique markings in a similar manner to fingerprints that enable this forensic examination to take place. NABIS analysts then disseminate this ballistic intelligence to Senior Investigating Officers to assist with convictions as in this case.”
