THREE SENTENCED FOR EDGBASTON MURDER

Three people have today been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a 22-year-old man, who was shot dead in Edgbaston in June 2011 over a drugs feud.

Ricky Basra was shot at “point blank range” by Barrington Denny after being lured to a road near his home by a false drugs deal.

Mr Denny, aged 23 fromBirmingham, was sentenced to life imprisonment, to serve at least 28 years. He had pleaded guilty to the murder of Ricky Basra at an earlier hearing.

Gary Narwain, aged 21 and fromWalsall, was sentenced to life, to serve a minimum 26 years for encouraging Mr Denny to carry out the shooting.

Sarah Singh, aged 31 and fromBirmingham, was sentenced to life, to serve at least 22 years for acting as bait. Both she and Mr Narwain were found guilty of the murder following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

Ricky Basra, aged 22, was shot dead onMelville Road, Edgbaston on June 21, 2011. The murder was described by the Judge as a perfectly planned and executed assassination.

DS Rob Bastin from Force CID said: “Barrington Denny armed himself with a shotgun and travelled toMelville Roadwhere he shot dead Ricky Basra at close range.

“Sarah Singh played an integral part in this murder; through a misguided loyalty to Denny she lured Ricky to the location so that Denny could shoot him.

“Gary Narwain was a close associate of Denny. He was involved in the planning of the murder and assisted afterwards with the disposal of key evidence.

“This cowardly and callous attack has had a lasting effect on Ricky’s family and friends and my thoughts and sympathy go out to them today. I hope this verdict gives those close to Ricky some comfort. I know they are still coming to terms with their loss.

“West Midlands Police are fully committed to bring those offenders to justice who seek to use or arm themselves with firearms.”