Gang Member Admits Robbery in Murder Trial

Strategic Insights -

Sharon Beshenivsky, a rookie police officer, was shot at point-blank range in a robbery attempt at a travel agency in Bradford three years ago. Mustaf Abdullah Jama, 28, one of the alleged gang members, has admitted to robbery, but denied murder and possession of a pistol and machine gun. The trial, which is expected to last three weeks, has revealed a complex web of planning and deceit surrounding the raid. The gang, who had planned the attack from London, used information from another gang member, Piran Ditta Khan, to target Universal Express, which held large amounts of cash used for international money transfers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mustaf Abdullah Jama, 28, has admitted to robbery at the travel agency where PC Sharon Beshenivsky was shot dead, but denied murder and possession of a pistol and machine gun.
  • The gang, which consisted of seven members, had planned the attack from London and used information from another gang member, Piran Ditta Khan, to target Universal Express.
  • The gang had a reconnaissance team that filmed the agency before the raid and had discussed the plan over champagne and vodka at a Leeds terrace house.
  • PC Teresa Milburn suffered serious chest injuries during the confrontation with the gang, while PC Beshenivsky was shot at point-blank range and died.
  • Three other men, Faisal Razzaq, Hassan Razzaq, and Raza Ul-Haq Aslam, have been convicted for their involvement in the raid, although they did not enter the agency.

Statistics:

  • 9mm self-loading pistol and a Mac 10 machine gun were used in the robbery.
  • £50,000 to £100,000 was the estimated amount of money the gang aimed to steal.
  • 5pm: The gang returned to their Leeds base after escaping, said to be in a "very different mood".
  • 80 people are allegedly controlled by Muzzaker Shah, also known as "Peshi", according to his tattoo.

Sources:

  • Robert Smith QC, prosecuting
  • Mr Justice Openshaw