Eleven men jailed for more than 36 years

ELEVEN men have been sentenced to a total of 36 years and six months in prison for their part in a significant incident of disorder in Blackburn in 2013.

On the evening of Saturday 14th December 2013 as a result of an on-going dispute between two groups in Blackburn and Preston, 11 men arrived at an address on Kempton Rise in Blackburn armed with golf clubs, hockey sticks and a shotgun. During the disorder that followed, the shotgun was discharged on the street, at which point the group dispersed in various vehicles resulting in multiple collisions. Fortunately, no one was injured.

On 29th May following a five week trial at Preston Crown Court, the men were convicted and they have been sentenced this week. Four men have been convicted of possession of a firearm with intent and conspiracy to commit violent disorder. They are;

• Asar Khan, 30, of July St, Blackburn. He has been sentenced to 5 years 6 months
• Yassar Khan, 32, of July St, Blackburn. He has been sentenced to 5 years 6 months
• Bilal Akhtar, 25, of Westbury Gardens, Blackburn. He has been sentenced to 5 years 6 months
• Andrew Leigh, 26, of Old Lancaster Lane, Preston. He has been sentenced to 5 years

Another seven men were convicted of conspiracy to commit violent disorder and were sentenced as follows;

• Uwais Bagas, 25, of Watling Street Road, Preston. He has been sentenced to 2 years 6 months
• Faizal Ghani , 29, of Albert Terrace, Preston. He has been sentenced to 2 years 6 months
• Mohammed Mussa, 24, of Garstang Road, Preston. He has been sentenced to 2 years 6 months
• Sohail Patel, 33, of Blackpool Road, Preston. He has been sentenced to 4 years
• Syed Razvi, 35, of Ashworth Grove, Preston. He has been sentenced to 2 years 6 months
• Aleem Khan, 27, of Lambeth Street, Blackburn. He has been sentenced to 2 years 6 months
• Niaz Hussain, 43, of Willoughby Street, Sheffield. He has been sentenced to 2 years 6 months

Detective Inspector Mark Vaughton who led the investigation, said: “This has been an extremely complex and protracted investigation into an event which had significant impact on the local community.

“I am pleased with the sentences – they should send a clear message that we absolutely will not tolerate this sort of behaviour which makes people feel unsafe in their own homes and communities.”