A man has been acquitted of a serious firearm offence linked to a fatal shooting that occurred at an industrial estate in Winson Green, Birmingham, nearly five years ago. The verdict marks a significant development in a complex case that has involved multiple trials and reporting restrictions.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Gavin Parry, aged 31, was shot dead inside a car repair unit at the City Industrial Estate on Western Road on April 13, 2021. The incident took place in the late afternoon, with more than a dozen individuals reportedly present within the unit at the time. Despite the crowded scene, the identity of the gunman remains unknown to this day.
Court Proceedings and Acquittal
Tyveve Malone, 21, faced charges of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life or enable another to do so. The prosecution alleged that Malone drove Parry to the industrial estate in a Ford Fiesta around 5.20pm on the day of the shooting, a claim Malone consistently denied throughout the legal process.
Following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court, a jury delivered a not guilty verdict, leading to Malone's acquittal. This trial represents the third court proceeding related to the case, which had been under reporting restrictions until recently, limiting public disclosure of details.
Broader Case Developments
The shooting has led to convictions in other aspects of the investigation. Theo Bailey, in his 30s and from Handsworth, was operating a family car repair business on the estate at the time of the incident. Bailey was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter and perverting the course of justice. His sentencing is still pending.
In a separate retrial, Dante Kalsi, in his 20s and from Erdington, was convicted of perverting the course of justice for removing Parry's firearm from the scene. The weapon, described as a Sten submachine gun, has never been recovered. Kalsi received a three-year sentence to be served consecutively with an existing lengthy prison term for an unrelated matter.
Context and Evidence
CCTV footage captured moments before the shooting showed Gavin Parry wearing a bulletproof vest and holding what appeared to be a Sten submachine gun as he entered the unit where he was later killed. This evidence highlighted the dangerous circumstances surrounding the event but did not lead to a conviction in Malone's case.
The acquittal underscores the challenges in prosecuting firearm-related offences, particularly when key evidence remains missing or contested. The case continues to draw attention to issues of community safety and legal accountability in Birmingham.
