Message From West Midlands Police-Operation Pointer

Here is an important Message from West Midlands Police -Operation Pointer.

Eight men have today been found not guilty in the trial of the murders of three men killed last August on Dudley Road, Winson Green.
Shazad Ali (30), Abdul Musavir (31) and Haroon Jahan (20) died after being hit by a car in the early hours of Wednesday 10 August.
Following today’s verdicts at Birmingham Crown Court, the Crown Prosecution Service and West Midlands Police gave the following statements:
Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Cann said: “West Midlands Police presented extensive evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service which was accepted as significant enough to charge the men and bring all nine before the courts for a jury to decide if they were guilty or not guilty.
“We respect the jury’s decision. The judge today asked the community to respect the jury’s findings that this was a tragic accident.
“We acknowledge the impact that this outcome may have on all our communities. As always we will continue to listen and engage with local people at a local and force level.”
Chief Crown Prosecutor Harry Ireland said: “When we looked at the case presented to us by the police against these men, we were satisfied that there was enough evidence to charge them with murder.
“When considering whether a case should be prosecuted, the CPS applies the Code for Crown Prosecutors. The reviewing lawyer has first to decide whether there is enough admissible evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction. If the evidence satisfies the first test, then the lawyer has to consider the second test – the public interest test.
“The case against these individuals passed both these two tests and they were charged.
“The jury after having the opportunity of hearing both the prosecution and defence cases in full has reached verdicts of not guilty, which we respect.
“I would like to thank the witnesses who came forward to give evidence and thank them for their support for this prosecution.
“Finally, our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Shazid, Haroon and Abdul in respect of their tragic loss.”
Following the verdicts Tariq Jahan, father of Haroon, spoke on behalf of both families:
“I would like to appeal for peace and calm in our community in light of today’s verdicts.
“The family do not wish to make any comment regarding the court case at this time and would ask the media to respect the families’ privacy.”