Rioters convicted for Lozells violence

Jul 18 2007 By Ross McCarthy, Birmingham Mail

FIVE men and a youth have been convicted of offences after racially motivated mob violence erupted on the streets of Birmingham.

One man was murdered and others including an Asian taxi driver were attacked during the Lozells violence in October 2005, as shops were also looted.

The riot was sparked by rumours of a gang rape by a group of Asian men on a black schoolgirl.

Andrew Walker, 40, of Windmill Lane, Smethwick, Moses Kibuye, 40, of Leopold Street, Highgate, and a 15-year-old were found guilty of riot by a jury at Birmingham Crown Court.

Two other men, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had previously admitted the same charge.

Marcell Brown, 26, of Camden Street, Winson Green, was acquitted of riot but was convicted of violent disorder.

Brown was also found guilty of racially aggravated damage to property as was Kibuye and the two men who cannot be named, one of whom was also convicted of robbery.

Kibuye and Walker were also convicted of wounding with intent.

Gavin James, 21, of Melbourne Avenue, Newtown was found not guilty of riot and walked free from court.

Sentence on all the defendants was adjourned by Judge Trevor Faber until a date in September.

The court was told the charges related to a series of incidents which took place over a five hour period, some of which was captured on CCTV or the police helicopter camera.