Six men have admitted their involvement in a dangerous fireworks incident in Birmingham city centre.
West Midlands Police reported that on 31 October 2023, fireworks were recklessly launched towards people, buildings, and officers on Bagot Street and Staniforth Street. The force condemned the “deplorable behaviour” and arrested several individuals following the disturbance.
The men, Ulrich Angwe, 22, from London, and George Dandison, 22, Iqram Khan, 25, Sheryar Khan, 24, Zain Mahmood, 27, and Ajay Penfold, 22, all from Birmingham, were initially charged with violent disorder. They denied these charges and were scheduled for trial at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday, 1 September.
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However, all six subsequently entered guilty pleas to a lesser charge of affray. Prosecutor Sarah Slater confirmed that these pleas were acceptable to resolve the case.
Judge Samantha Crabb informed the men: “All of you have pleaded guilty to affray, for which you will be sentenced on 3 December, the earliest date the court can accommodate.”
The sentencing hearing was adjourned to allow time for preparation of pre-sentence reports. Sheryar Khan, already serving a prison sentence for another conviction, was remanded in custody, while the remaining five were granted unconditional bail pending sentencing.