Two Birmingham men have been jailed for more than 20 years following a shooting incident at a family home in Willenhall. Sharif Cousins, 50, of Chester Road, and James Gray, 28, of Minstead Road, were convicted of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life after a trial held last November.
The sentencing took place at Birmingham Crown Court on 12 May 2026.
In the early hours of 26 May 2025, Cousins and Gray arrived in a vehicle on Princethorpe Road and fired a handgun through the window of a house occupied by a family of five, including two children. Fortunately, no one was injured during the attack. A second bullet struck a car parked outside the property before the men fled the scene.
Detectives quickly launched an investigation, using CCTV footage to track the vehicle’s movements. The footage placed both Cousins and Gray at the scene, providing crucial evidence that led to their convictions for firearm offences.
Cousins was sentenced to 12 years in prison, followed by three years on licence. Gray received a prison term of nine and a half years.
Detective Inspector Racheal Allen, who led the investigation, described the shooting as a “reckless attack”. She praised the sentencing outcome, stating it sends a clear message that gun crime will be met with severe punishment.
This case is part of West Midlands Police’s Operation Target, which focuses on tackling serious and organised crime through intelligence-led actions, including warrants and the seizure of illicit goods.
The police encourage the public to report any crime by calling 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Originally published by UKNIP.
