A gunman has been handed a lengthy prison sentence for shooting a 15-year-old boy in the back in a case of mistaken identity. Lamar Anderson, 22, fired at the teenager as he rode on the back of an electric bike at George Street Park in Balsall Heath on August 2, 2025, just before 10pm.
The Incident
Anderson, along with associates Jeheim Wilson and Kaine Dowe, had armed themselves with a gun seeking revenge after a fight between Anderson and another man named Elyas Kaid outside Amex Wines nearby around 30 minutes earlier. The innocent boy suffered broken bones to his spine and a lung wound. He still has the bullet lodged inside his body and faces ongoing issues with pain, walking, and sleeping. The trauma has left him fearful of leaving home and has severely disrupted his GCSE preparations.
Sentences Handed Down
At Birmingham Crown Court on Friday, Anderson, of Heeley Road, Selly Oak, pleaded guilty to affray, wounding with intent, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison with an extended three-year licence. Wilson, 25, of Lapworth Grove, Balsall Heath, and Dowe, 24, of Belvedere Road, Erdington, both admitted possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. They received sentences of six years and six months, and six years, respectively.
Judge's Remarks
Judge Heidi Kubik KC stated: 'Any penetrating chest injury can result in death. It was a matter of mere chance the physical impact was not more serious.' Anderson had no previous criminal record.
Defence Arguments
Jasvir Mann, defending Anderson, said he had written a letter of apology to the boy and his family. Mann described the shooting as 'spontaneous and arising from mistaken identity in the heat of the moment,' adding that Anderson was in 'genuine shock' and remorseful upon learning the victim was a 15-year-old boy. The barrister highlighted Anderson's childhood instability, abuse, lack of maturity, poor conflict resolution, and impulsivity.
Ben Williams, representing Wilson, argued that his client acted out of 'misguided loyalty' to Anderson. He described Wilson as hard-working and a 'valued member of his family and community' who was 'deeply sorry' to the boy.
Jonathan Barker, for Dowe, said a psychological report assessed Dowe as having 'below average intellect' and being 'susceptible to external influences.' Barker noted Dowe was not present at the initial dispute and had no intention for the gun to be fired, calling him 'a follower and a people pleaser.'
Related Sentencing
Elyas Kaid, 23, of Ferncliffe Road, Harborne, pleaded guilty to affray for his role in the earlier disorder that led to the revenge shooting. He was sentenced to 10 months in February.
