A brash teenager in the city was busted by police after shocking videos were discovered of him dancing around his house and posing with a gun. Proud Asili Smith, then 17, was left in an uproar over damning mobile phone footage after police raided his home in Handsworth.
A cinematic scene shows a balaclava-wearing gunman skipping and dancing while brandishing a gun. He was also seen wearing a gray jersey and holding a pistol as he moved from side to side and posed for the camera.
West Midlands Police said police received information that Smith may have been storing firearms at his Blaise Road home in November 2023. Dramatic body camera footage shows armed officers swooping on the address where they discovered the weapon. The Walther pistol was loaded with five 9mm bullets.
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Smith, now 18, was arrested and officers later discovered the crime video on his cell phone. He admitted possessing firearms and ammunition and was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday, Thursday, April 18.
Detective Constable James Cox, of the West Midlands Regional Organized Crime Unit, said: “Asili Smith is well known to police and has gang links.”
“Videos recovered from his mobile phone after his arrest show how much he enjoyed his lifestyle and are believed to have been filmed to show off his firearm acquisition to friends and colleagues.” he added.
“His criminal lifestyle led to police officers barging into his home in the middle of the night and arresting him at gunpoint. I would urge anyone who is tempted by that lifestyle to stop and self-isolate. I want you to think about the impact it will have on you and your loved ones.
“We are committed to tackling gun crime in the West Midlands and we expect those involved will be arrested, convicted and jailed.”
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