‘Boastful’ Thug caught with Shotgun after threatening Gang

Mohammed Khan, aged 24, of Handsworth, Birmingham, was jailed for 10 years after he was caught with a loaded shotgun after sending threats and “boastful” messages to a gang.

Birmingham Crown Court heard that armed police swooped on a Vauxhall Astra in Almond Grove, Perry Barr at around 2 am on May 24, 2021.

Ian Ball, prosecuting, said the vehicle’s windows were tinted and officers did not know how many people were inside. The car was also on false plates.

Zeeshan Khan tried to drive off but he stalled the car and he was dragged out. His brother Mohammed was also removed.

Mohammed was wearing a stab vest when he was arrested.

In the rear footwell, police found a bag containing a sawn-off shotgun. It was loaded with two cartridges and there were a further eight in the bag, along with three further bullets.

Police also seized two phones belonging to Mohammed. They contained pictures of him wielding firearms and messages of him threatening to use them.

There was also a conversation about him getting more shotgun cartridges.

Mr Ball said: “Some of the messages were fearful for his own safety but they were predominantly boastful.”

It was heard that a month before, Zeeshan had been pursued by police for driving while uninsured.

Mohammed pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, possessing a prohibited weapon and possessing ammunition and cannabis.

Zeeshan admitted fraudulent use of number plates and dangerous driving.

Karl Volz, for Mohammed, said that the “whole beef” had involved a criminal gang and Khan had been “dragged into the argument by association”.

He said Mohammed had previously been chased and bullets had been fired into his car.

Mr Volz added: “This had been going on for a year. The messages were bravado.

“He was under immense strain and pressure, trying to protect his family.

“He was in fear for his life. He felt there was no alternative and took matters into his own hands.”

Judge Thomas Rochford said:

“There were two cartridges loaded in the gun so it was ready to use at a moment’s notice.”

“I accept there was a degree of frustration on your part in that you did not feel the police were able to protect you.”

But the judge said that Mohammed had “chosen a lifestyle of firearms” and that the photos on his phone were an aggravating feature showing an interest in glamorising guns.

Mohammed was jailed for 10 years.

Zeeshan was sentenced to 44 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months. He was also banned from driving for two years.