Handsworth gunman jailed for rampage during race riots

Left: Tobias Rowe
A GUNMAN who went on the rampage during race riots in Birmingham, shooting a man in a pub, has been given an indefinite jail sentence.

Tobias Rowe went on the run after he was shown on TV brandishing the weapon but was eventually arrested after police discovered a secret birthday party had been arranged for him in Birmingham.

Mr Justice Simon sentenced Rowe to imprisonment for public protection and ordered he serve a minimum of 12 years in jail before being considered for release by a parole board.He said he believed Rowe was a dangerous man and that a serious aggravating feature in the case was that it was racially motivated. Read more

Lozells riot gunman arrested at party

In 2005 Birmingham saw the worst rioting since 1985 in Handsworth. In a terrifying display of violence the police lost control for some time as shops were raided, people in pubs were shot, and bricks went through windows. It wasn't against the police this time however. The black residents of Lozells had 'risen up' after reports of an 'Asian pack' raping a 14 year old black girl.


The Birmingham Mail reports: AN alleged gunman wanted by police investigating riots in Birmingham was caught after more than three years on the run when he attended a secret birthday party, a court heard.

Police who raided the city centre party location in February last year also found a loaded gun in the bed where Tobias Rowe had been sleeping, a jury at Birmingham Crown Court was told.

Rowe, 27, of no fixed address, has denied two charges of attempted murder, wounding with intent, attempted wounding with intent, conspiracy to rob, riot, two charges of possessing a firearm and one of possessing ammunition. Read more