Theo Bailey, a 34-year-old mechanic from Handsworth, has been jailed for 22 years for the manslaughter of Gavin Parry, who was shot dead in a hail of gunfire at City Industrial Estate in Winson Green on April 13, 2021. The judge at the Royal Courts of Justice in London ruled that Bailey knew a crucial detail: that a Skorpion machine gun was armed and ready for use.
Shooting details
Gavin Parry, 31, was blasted by a Skorpion machine gun at the industrial estate in Western Road. CCTV captured Parry running towards the scene at 5.19pm wearing a bulletproof vest and brandishing a Second World War-style STEN machine gun. However, he was shot in the head before he could pull the trigger. According to anonymous sources, Parry was a prominent member of the Handsworth gang the Burger Bar Boys, though this affiliation did not feature in the trials.
Bailey's role
Bailey ran the family car repair business from the unit and was the only person held responsible for Parry's death, despite a dozen others being present. He spent over two years on the run, prompting a Crimewatch appeal. He was found guilty of manslaughter and perverting the course of justice. It is not believed he was the actual gunman, who remains unidentified.
Earlier that afternoon, Parry arrived on a stolen quad bike intending to sell it but got into a row with someone at the unit. He left allegedly making threats and returned about 30 minutes later. During that time, Bailey broke into another unit to retrieve 'something heavy' and then entered the manager's office to disable CCTV for the entire estate. After the shooting, he delayed calling 999 until everyone had left and lied about camera coverage, but forgot to disable CCTV in his own unit.
Judge's remarks
Passing sentence, Mr Justice Dove stated the nature of the heated argument had 'never been revealed' as 'no person has ever provided a candid account of what happened'. Addressing Bailey, he said: 'What's clear is you, knowing the nature of the dispute and the threats which had been exchanged, were aware Mr Parry was going to return and when he did he would be intent on violence. You took the lead in making preparations for his return. You didn't close the unit, pull the shutters down and leave the area. Rather you made preparations for an extremely violent confrontation to meet Mr Parry on his return.'
The judge concluded Bailey tried to 'frustrate the investigation' and added: 'I am sure you knew of the gun and you knew it was armed and ready for use in a shooting.'
Mitigation and sentence
In mitigation, the court was told Bailey has ADHD, dyslexia, 'low verbal intellectual ability', and a mixed depressive anxiety disorder. Positive character references were submitted. Justice Dove noted: 'No doubt you are a caring and generous person. All of this makes your involvement in these offences all the more inexplicable. Your time in custody has taken a considerable toll on your family, particularly your children whose formative years you are missing out on.'
Bailey has spent 949 days in custody on remand, which will count towards his sentence. He must serve two-thirds of the 22-year term, around 14 years and eight months, before he is eligible for release.
