TWO Oldbury brothers convicted of murdering a father-of-eight who was gunned down in the street have been jailed for life.
Anthony Sargeant, aged 33, had been talking to a friend outside his family home in Birmingham when a BMW and Mercedes pulled up and two shots were fired in August 2018.
Mr Sargeant was hit once in the back and died in hospital from his injuries six days later.
Brothers Michael and Connor Goodwin, aged 27 and 28 and both previously of Wallace Road, Oldbury, along with Keenan Anderson, aged 26, previously of Albert Road, Handsworth, and Leon Riley, aged 22, previously of Bridgelands Way, Perry Barr, were all found guilty of murder last summer.
At Birmingham Crown Court on Friday (March 24), they were all jailed for life. Michael Goodwin and Leon Riley will serve a minimum term of 28 years, and Connor Goodwin and Keenan Anderson a minimum term of 32 years.
As part of the investigation, detectives uncovered images showing the four celebrating Connor Goodwin’s birthday on the afternoon of August 26 at a pub in Hockley, less than 24 hours after the shooting and while Mr Sargeant lay dying in hospital.
Detective inspector Hannah Whitehouse, the senior investigating officer, said: “We may never know why Mr Sargeant was murdered, but we have been able to prove that these men acted together, travelling in a convoy of two stolen cars across Birmingham to go to Rickman Drive, where Anthony Sargeant was shot.
“They have shown no remorse, denying the offence throughout.
“This investigation has been highly complex and challenging and it shows that West Midlands Police will relentlessly pursue those responsible for using firearms on our streets.”
Speaking at the time of conviction, Mr Sargeant’s family said: “Almost four years ago, my son, our father, brother and uncle was murdered as he innocently walked down the road outside his mother’s home.
“Today after sitting through months of trial, we finally have justice for him although it will never be enough.
“However, we still have to live through a lifetime of pain and heartache of him being taken away from his family.
“Eight fatherless children now finding their way through life without their provider, teacher and superhero.
“Anthony was such a bubbly, energetic, witty soul and we will do everything to ensure he is not forgotten".
Ian Pinkney of the CPS West Midlands said: “No sentence can ever reflect the degree of suffering and loss that Mr Sargeant’s family have endured but I hope it brings them some comfort that those responsible for his murder have been brought to justice. While we may never know who fired the shot that killed Mr Sargeant, we do know that all four men planned the attack and are all jointly responsible for his murder. Those who commit such acts of violence can expect to face the court to be held accountable for their crimes to the fullest extent of the law.
“Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Sargeant as they continue to deal with the terrible loss they have suffered.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here