Dudley gunman jailed for life over murder of innocent bystander

Mekel Sterling found himself in the 'wrong place at the wrong time' when he was shot outside a shop in Birmingham.

Darielle Williams, aged 23, of Attingham Drive, Dudley, opened fire with a sub-machine gun from a silver Volkswagen Golf, which then sped away from the scene.

He was jailed for at least 33 years at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday, along with driver Kayne Robinson, of Roseberry Street, Winson Green, after both were found guilty of murder.

WATCH: CCTV shows moments before the murder of Mekel Sterling

Mr Sterling, who was known locally as Skelly, was outside a shop on Great Hampton Row when shots were fired. He was not thought to have been the target.

He was struck in the chest and staggered into the store for help. The 36-year-old father could not be saved and died in hospital a short time later.

The shooting is thought to have been a revenge attack after shots were fired at a group of men from a Ford Kuga outside a fast food restaurant on Dudley Road the day before.

Police began a painstaking trawl of CCTV and, through mapping mobile phone use to the suspects’ movements, were able to show the jury what part each played in Mekel’s murder.

Mr Sterling's family said: “Although the outcome of today will not bring Mekel back, justice has finally been served.

“An innocent man had a precious life cut short by the act of these dangerous individuals. Our family and friends have lost the most amazing person you could have ever met.

“Mekel was a blessing to us all. Life will never be the same without him."

Detective Chief Inspector Edward Foster, from West Midlands Police's Homicide Unit, said: "Sadly Mekel found himself caught up in something not of his own making and paid the ultimate price. He will not see his children grow into adulthood and they are left without their father.

"This is another stark reminder that guns have no place on the streets of Birmingham and people who use them have no place in our communities.

"We, as a force, are again asking for anyone who is holding a gun, either for their own criminal use, or for a family member, loved one or friend, to please hand it in now, before another life is lost."

A third man, Jacob Brown, aged 25 from Handsworth, was cleared of any charges.

Jurors were unable to reach verdicts on the murder charges facing Devonte May, aged 24 from Handsworth and 19-year-old Geary Barnett, from Winson Green.

They pleaded not guilty to murder, which was accepted by the prosecution, but guilty to assisting an offender.

They were jailed for three years and two-and-a-half years respectively.