Five men from Rotherham jailed over Sheffield shootings

A resident of Rotherham found himself among a group of five individuals who were collectively sentenced to a total of 25 years in prison due to their involvement in a series of firearm-related incidents in Sheffield.

 

Qamar Nain, aged 27, pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing a prohibited firearm and one count of possessing ammunition while prohibited. Nain, along with four other men, received their sentences at Sheffield Crown Court in connection with several shootings that occurred within the city.

 

The first of these incidents was reported in July 2020, when law enforcement responded to multiple reports of gunshots on Abbeydale Road. Upon arrival, they discovered that a dog had sustained severe gunshot wounds and had to be euthanized as a result. In the subsequent month, a loaded handgun was discovered abandoned in a bush on Lumley Street.

 

August brought more turmoil as officers received reports of shots fired at a residence on Madehurst Gardens. In September 2020, during the execution of a warrant in Nether Edge, a second viable handgun was located hidden behind a wall. Forensic analysis linked this firearm to three of the defendants.

 

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Slater, from the Armed Crime Team (ACT), expressed the gravity of these incidents, emphasizing the extreme danger posed by firearms that could lead to severe injuries or death. He particularly noted the shooting on Abbeydale Road, which had the potential to claim a human life but tragically resulted in unnecessary suffering to an innocent animal.

 

DCI Slater commended the ACT for their dedication and effort, which led to the identification of individuals through DNA evidence, tying them to these heinous crimes.

 

Another defendant, Mohammed Maroof, aged 27 and already serving a prison sentence related to the handgun recovered in August 2020, received an additional 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to possessing ammunition without a certificate.

 

Awais Ahmed, aged 23 and incarcerated at HMP Marshgate, was sentenced to five years in prison after admitting guilt in possessing a prohibited firearm.

 

Zaheer Ahmed, aged 26 and residing on Derby Street, Sheffield, pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing ammunition without a certificate in an earlier hearing and was sentenced to four years and three months behind bars.

 

Qamar Nain, residing on St Stephen's Road in Rotherham, received a six-year prison sentence. His connection to the 2020 incidents was established through forensic evidence, including his DNA found on spent bullets recovered from a stolen car linked to another shooting in the Ecclesall Road area the previous year.

 

In the early hours of February 7, 2022, officers responded to reports of shots fired at vehicles, resulting in injuries to one of the occupants. The stolen car involved in this incident was later found in the Totley area, along with a spent bullet casing. This casing was ballistically matched to the shooting, and DNA evidence tied it to Nain.

 

DCI Slater praised the public for their cooperation in reporting this highly dangerous incident, which aided in the identification of those responsible.

 

A fifth individual, 24-year-old Akaash Iqbal, received his sentence at Sheffield Crown Court. He was connected to the firearm used in the shooting of the dog on Abbeydale Road. Subsequently, he faced additional charges related to firearms and drug offenses when a warrant was executed in Ringinglow. During the operation, officers discovered cannabis, live shotgun cartridges, and a single-barreled shotgun hidden behind the kitchen oven.

 

In a previous court hearing, Iqbal, residing on Fraser Road in Sheffield, admitted to possessing a prohibited firearm, possessing ammunition without a certificate, and possessing cannabis with intent to supply. He was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison.

 

DCI Slater emphasized that these convictions have removed five dangerous individuals and three dangerous weapons from the streets. However, he also underlined that the work of the ACT continues, vowing to relentlessly pursue anyone involved in firearm-related crimes. He urged the public to share information with law enforcement, as it plays a vital role in ongoing investigations.

 

In closing, DCI Slater acknowledged the reluctance of some to speak with the police due to the fear and intimidation caused by those who carry firearms. Nonetheless, he assured the public that proactive actions will be taken based on the information received, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in the crackdown on firearm-enabled crimes. A sixth defendant was released without further legal action.

 

PM Law 

Sheffield Solicitors