THREE people have been sentenced for their part in a shooting in Redditch, where one of the bullets hit a child’s car seat.
The incident surrounded a dispute over drugs supply.
Connor Donaldson, Rhiannan James and Courtney Lloyd appeared at Worcester Crown Court for sentencing following an 11-week trial earlier in the year, where they were found guilty of the following offences:
Donaldson, 27, of Hatton Close in Redditch was jailed for 12-years for three counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine), being concerned in the supply of class B drugs (cannabis) and assisting an offender.
James, 22, of Slimbridge Close in Redditch was sentenced to two years, suspended for two years, for being concerned in the supply of cannabis and assisting an offender.
And Lloyd 27, of Northleach Close in Redditch was sentenced to 20 months, suspended for two years, and for assisting an offender.
The court heard how on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, police were called to Ombersley Close in Redditch following reports of gun shots being heard.
When officers arrived at the scene it was found three shots were exchanged over an occupied car. One bullet penetrated the back of the vehicle and stopped behind an unoccupied child seat. Thankfully, the two people in the car were not injured.
An investigation was launched by West Mercia Police, and it was quickly established who the two men involved in the shooting were.
Further enquiries found the incident stemmed from a turf dispute between two rival drug gangs who were operating in Redditch, and the meeting of the men was orchestrated by members of the Frank drugs line.
The court heard how Donaldson, James and Lloyd became involved when they assisted one of the suspects in evading officers.
Det Ch Insp Ben Arrowsmith said: “We welcome the sentencing handed to Donaldson, James and Lloyd on Monday.
“We know too well the devastation that drug supply brings to vulnerable individuals, their families and communities and we remain committed in protecting those at risk and ensuring offenders, whatever part they play, will be brought to justice.
“I would like to commend the team who worked tirelessly on the investigation and members of the public who provided information that helped with enquiries.”
Three other men also found guilty of offences connected to the incident are due to be sentenced next year.
His Honour Judge Cartwright said: “I would like to commend the police officers and analysts for the effort, detail and level of skill that has gone into this case.
“The way that the police have conducted themselves throughout is exactly what the public would hope for and be reassured by during an investigation into an offence such as this that strikes at the very heart of the community.”
