Crime Solicitors

The Court of Appeal has increased the prison sentences of 16 offenders linked to the notorious Burger Bar gang in Birmingham, after they were convicted of supplying guns and ammunition to criminals across the UK.

On Wednesday, 9 March, the Court of Appeal quashed the original sentences and ordered increased prison terms by fifty years to a total of more than 200 years’ imprisonment for the gang members.

The sentence of a seventeenth offender was not increased.

The offenders originally received a range of custodial sentences for offences, which included the supply of weapons and ammunition.

Weapons seized as part of the investigation included several handguns, a sawn-off shotgun – and a MAC 10 machine pistol capable of firing 30 rounds in less than two seconds.

Gang leader Nosakhere Stephenson was originally sentenced to sixteen-and-a-half years in prison – the others offenders received sentences ranging from 13 years to four years and four months.

The Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP, referred the sentences to the Court of Appeal in December 2015 and presented the case personally in court.

Mr Buckland said:

“This was a professional operation run by an organised gang who conspired to supply lethal weapons and large amounts of ammunition to criminals up and down the country.

“These weapons fuelled violence on our streets and had a terrible effect on those caught up in it.

“I referred these sentences to the Court of Appeal because of the very serious nature of the offending – I am glad that the Court of Appeal has agreed that these men should spend longer in prison.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Kenny Bell from West Midlands Police added:

“Nosa Stephenson and his gang presented a very real and dangerous threat to the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands.

“I welcome the Solicitor General’s referral against their unduly lenient sentences – and am pleased that these criminals will spend even more time behind bars.

“The recent spike in gun crime is clearly a concern for us, as it is for members of the public.

“We’ve got officers and staff working around the clock to close-in on those who bring this fear to our communities.

“In the six months to the end of January 2016, we arrested 261 people for firearms offences and seized dozens of guns.

“This is a result of our relentless efforts to disrupt networks like Stephenson’s.”

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise at any stage of a conviction or charge for serious or violent crime, including gang-related crime, gun crime, knife crime, murder, extortion, sexual offences, serious fraud, robbery with violence or drugs offences.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our criminal defence solicitors regularly visit police stations, courts and prisons to advise on criminal law, including appeals against convictions and sentencing, applications to the Parole Board, disciplinary hearings before the Governor and release on licence.

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of Legal Aid criminal defence services.

For expert legal advice on criminal charges, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.