Key Takeaways
- Sharif Cousins, a former member of the Burger Bar Boys, has been found guilty of shooting at a family’s home in Walsall.
- The incident occurred in the middle of the night, with a revolver being fired at the property, causing damage to a car and a living room window.
- Cousins and an accomplice fled the scene in a Vauxhall Corsa, which was tracked by ANPR cameras, leading to their arrest.
- The motive for the shooting is currently unknown, and the victims claim to have no idea why they were targeted.
- Cousins has a history of involvement with gangs and was previously shot by police in 2017, which he claimed was a case of mistaken identity.
Introduction to the Incident
Sharif Cousins, a 49-year-old man from Sutton Coldfield, has been found guilty of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life after shooting at a family’s home in Walsall. The incident occurred on May 26 this year, when Cousins and an accomplice approached the property in Princethorpe Road, Willenhall, shortly before 2am. The two men opened fire with a revolver, striking a car on the driveway and smashing through a living room window. The bullet penetrated the wall and ended up in the kitchen, but fortunately, no one was hurt. The family, which included a couple, their children, and a grandparent, were inside the house at the time of the shooting.
The Perpetrators and Their Escape
Cousins and the other man, who has not been identified, fled the scene in a Vauxhall Corsa driven by James Gray, a 28-year-old man from Erdington. The car was tracked by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, which led the police to the suspects. Arrests were made shortly after the incident, and Cousins and Gray were charged with possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. Following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court, the jury found both men guilty of the offense. Sentencing has been adjourned until February 11, and the motive for the shooting is still unknown.
Sharif Cousins’ Background
Sharif Cousins has a history of involvement with gangs, having been a member of the infamous Burger Bar Boys from Handsworth. In 2017, he was shot by armed police, which he claimed was a case of mistaken identity. At the time, Cousins claimed to be an innocent charity worker who was trying to steer young people away from crime. However, this was later exposed as a charade when he was jailed for his involvement in trying to supply a shotgun to the Northfield-based 61 Gang. The gang was involved in rivalries with other gangs in the south of Birmingham, and Cousins’ actions were seen as a contribution to the violence. Despite being shot by police, Cousins survived after spending weeks in a coma, and a watchdog later concluded that the armed officers had not broken any rules.
The Trial and Its Outcome
The trial of Sharif Cousins and James Gray was held at Birmingham Crown Court, where the jury heard evidence of the shooting and the events that followed. The prosecution presented evidence of the ANPR cameras tracking the Vauxhall Corsa, as well as testimony from the victims and other witnesses. The defense, on the other hand, argued that the suspects were not involved in the shooting, but the jury ultimately found them guilty of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. The sentencing of Cousins and Gray has been adjourned until February 11, and it is likely that they will face significant prison time for their roles in the shooting.
Conclusion and Implications
The guilty verdict in the trial of Sharif Cousins and James Gray is a significant outcome for the community in Walsall, which was shaken by the shooting. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of gang violence and the use of firearms in the UK, and the need for continued efforts to prevent such crimes. The fact that Cousins has a history of involvement with gangs and was previously shot by police raises questions about the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and the need for stricter sentencing for those involved in gang-related activity. As the sentencing of Cousins and Gray approaches, it is likely that the community will be watching closely to see that justice is served.