"I can't accept you didn't know something like this was going to happen."
Shamail Malek, aged 21, of Wolverhampton, was jailed for three years and six months for firing gunshots at a wedding party in the summer.
The function in Mander Street had approximately 100 people in attendance.
After firing the shots at around 9:30 pm on July 1, 2023, Malek falsely claimed he had let off a firework.
But following a trial, the individual in question was found guilty of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
According to police reports, a vehicle suspected to be using cloned license plates arrived at the location shortly before the incident unfolded.
A suspected shotgun was fired towards the venue’s car park, resulting in damage to the windscreen of a white Seat.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Malek, subsequently retrieved what appeared to be a revolver-type weapon from his trousers and discharged it approximately six times at the wedding party.
Malek then left the venue.
Upon examination by forensic experts, bullet holes and ricochet marks were discovered on the walls of the venue.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among those present during the incident.
Malek was apprehended at his residence on Lynton Avenue on July 6.
The legal proceedings culminated in his conviction, and he was subsequently sentenced to three years and six months of imprisonment.
This verdict was delivered at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Judge Simon Ward said: “I am quite sure what happened on July 1 didn’t happen out of the blue – whoever arrived with a shotgun and used it was there for a criminal reason but I don’t think you were unaware something like that might happen.
“You seem to have habitually had an imitation firearm down the years going back to when you were a youth and also have convictions ranging from using a knife to wound someone to possessing and supplying drugs and driving offences.
“I accept you didn’t start the shooting it was the man who will remain unknown but I can’t accept you didn’t know something like this was going to happen.
“And if you did know something was going to happen the better course of action was to tell the police, not to arm yourself accordingly.”
Detective Sergeant Jon Baker, of West Midlands Police, said:
“This was a totally reckless action and it was by luck rather than by design that no one was seriously injured or killed.”
“The illegal and reckless use of firearms is absolutely not acceptable and we always strive to identify, trace and bring before the courts those who create such fear and danger to our streets.
“We are continuing with our investigations to establish and detain any others involved in this incident and we’d appeal for anyone who hasn’t yet spoken to us but believes they can help, to get in touch.
“Please contact us via Live Chat on our website or call 101, quoting crime reference 20/542310/23.”
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