In a dramatic incident captured on footage, two rival drug dealers from the West Midlands engaged in a shootout in broad daylight, with bullets striking a nearby family car. The confrontation occurred on a residential street in Redditch, stemming from a dispute over drug supply.
Sentencing at Worcester Crown Court
Three men have been sentenced for their roles in the shooting, which took place on Ombersley Close. One of the bullets narrowly missed a child's car seat. The sentencing occurred on Wednesday, 29 April, at Worcester Crown Court following an 11-week trial last year, where the defendants were found guilty of various offences.
Deago Martin
Deago Martin, 22, from Staffordshire Pool Close in Birmingham, was found guilty of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. The judge deemed Martin a dangerous offender and imposed a life sentence, requiring him to serve a minimum of ten years and six months. He received 16 years for the firearm offence and a concurrent nine years for the attempted GBH.
Keelan Brookes
Keelan Brookes, 21, was found guilty of attempting to cause GBH with intent, possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, and being concerned in the supply of cannabis. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Kaine Simmonds
Kaine Simmonds, 26, from Club View in Birmingham, was found guilty of being concerned in the supply of heroin, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, and assisting an offender. He received a sentence of seven years and eight months.
Details of the Incident
At approximately 1:15 pm on Tuesday, 26 March 2024, police were called to Ombersley Close in Redditch following reports of gunshots. An investigation by West Mercia Police quickly identified the two gunmen as Deago Martin and Keelan Brookes.
During the trial, the court heard that Brookes was approached by Martin, and after an exchange of words, both men produced firearms. Brookes fired his gun at Martin, who returned fire. Three shots were exchanged over an occupied car, with bullets penetrating the rear of the vehicle and stopping short of an unoccupied child seat. Fortunately, the two people in the car were unharmed.
Drug Turf Dispute
The investigation revealed that the shooting resulted from a turf dispute between two rival drug gangs operating in Redditch. Martin ran the "Captain" line, which supplied drugs from Birmingham to Redditch. Brookes was part of the "Frank" line, which also sourced drugs from Birmingham and was attempting to encroach on the Captain line's territory. Tensions escalated, leading to the confrontation on Ombersley Close.
After the shooting, both men fled the scene. Martin discarded his clothing, while Brookes was assisted by a network of associates who provided transport and temporary accommodation to help him evade police. The court heard that Martin and Brookes showed no remorse for their actions. Footage from seized mobile phones showed members of the Frank Line continuing to live a lifestyle funded by drug sales.
In December of the previous year, three other individuals were sentenced for their involvement in the shooting and drug supply.
Police Statement
Detective Chief Inspector Ben Arrowsmith commented: "It is important to remember the complete disregard Martin and Brookes showed when they discharged firearms without any thought for the potential danger of their actions and the devastation it could have caused. I would like to commend the team who worked tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice, and their work has exposed two drug lines that supplied drugs into Redditch. We know that organised gangs, like the Captain and Frank lines, target and exploit vulnerable people within our communities, and the sentencing today will help towards protecting those at risk."
