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Drive-by shooter who hit mourners at wake jailed Drive-by shooter who hit mourners at wake jailed
(32 minutes later)
Meshaq Berryman fired four shots at gang rivals in the Handsworth area of BirminghamMeshaq Berryman fired four shots at gang rivals in the Handsworth area of Birmingham
A gunman who opened fire at gang rivals attending a wake has been jailed for life, with a minimum term of 24 years.A gunman who opened fire at gang rivals attending a wake has been jailed for life, with a minimum term of 24 years.
Meshaq Berryman fired four shots from a stolen car in the Handsworth area of Birmingham in February 2023.Meshaq Berryman fired four shots from a stolen car in the Handsworth area of Birmingham in February 2023.
Three men were injured and a young girl was crushed and seriously hurt.Three men were injured and a young girl was crushed and seriously hurt.
Berryman was found guilty of attempted murder after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court, which heard the shooting was not a random act but "part of a plan to kill". Berryman was found guilty of three counts of attempted murder after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court, which heard the shooting was not a random act but "part of a plan to kill".
Sentencing the 22-year-old, Judge Melbourne Inman said it was another case of gang violence that had become a "scourge of the city". Judge Melbourne Inman heard from prosecutors that the shooting was part of a "street war" between the Birmingham 9Boyz gang, who Berryman was affiliated with, and a rival gang known as Armed Response.
Sentencing the 22-year-old, Judge Inman said it was another case of gang violence that had become a "scourge of the city".
He said despite the "overwhelming evidence" Berryman continued to deny involvement and did not show any remorse.He said despite the "overwhelming evidence" Berryman continued to deny involvement and did not show any remorse.
He clearly remained "a very grave danger to the public", the judge added.He clearly remained "a very grave danger to the public", the judge added.
During sentencing the prosecution highlighted the ongoing psychological and physical impact on the innocent victims. During sentencing, prosecutor Lisa Hancox highlighted the ongoing psychological and physical impact on Berryman's victims.
The young girl injured in the stampede had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suffered from nightmares and flashbacks, as well as ongoing shoulder and neck pain, the prosecution said. The young girl injured in the stampede had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suffered from nightmares and flashbacks, as well as ongoing shoulder and neck pain, Ms Hancox said.
They added that one man, who had been shot in the leg, still struggled to walk and did not want to leave the house. She added that one man, who had been shot in the leg, still struggled to walk and did not want to leave the house.
CCTV footage showed the moment Berryman fired at mourners in BirminghamCCTV footage showed the moment Berryman fired at mourners in Birmingham
At the time of the shooting, mourners had gathered for the funeral of 19-year-old Akeem Bailey, who had been fatally stabbed in October 2022. At the time of the shooting, mourners had gathered for the funeral of 17-year-old Akeem Bailey, who had been fatally stabbed in October 2022.
Police said he was not associated with gangs, but Berryman had reason to suspect gang members would be present. The judge made it clear that Akeem Bailey "was a wholly innocent victim and was not a member of any gang", but said Berryman planned an attack as he "knew that members of a rival gang would be in attendance at the funeral".
CCTV footage showed the panic in the crowd as shots were fired from a passing car before it made off at speed.CCTV footage showed the panic in the crowd as shots were fired from a passing car before it made off at speed.
The judge said: "The scene at the funeral was one of utter terror". Judge Inman said: "The scene at the funeral was one of utter terror.
It was by sheer luck and chance it was not a triple murder case, said Det Insp Francis Knock, who described the footage as "harrowing". "It's remarkable that one or more were not killed - you had no regard at all for human life."
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