Two Men Sentenced to 18 Years for Nightclub Shootout That Injured Bystander

Two men have been sentenced to 18 years each in prison for a shootout that occurred outside the FJ Lounge nightclub in Aston, Birmingham, on March 23. Aaron Nubie, 46, and Kimani Durrell-Smith, 27, exchanged gunfire in the early morning hours, resulting in a food stall worker being injured in the crossfire. The incident occurred around 6 a.m.

According to reports, the altercation began earlier in the evening with an argument inside the club between Nubie and Durrell-Smith. Nubie reportedly left the premises and later returned with a firearm, firing at Durrell-Smith as he was exiting the venue. CCTV footage captured the exchange of gunfire, with Nubie firing and Durrell-Smith returning shots towards a crowded barbecue stand.

While the food stall worker sustained injuries, they were not life-changing. Approximately 30 minutes after the shooting, Nubie arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound but claimed to have no memory of how he was injured. He was subsequently arrested.

Durrell-Smith was located by police following a firearms warrant executed at an address in West Bromwich. He had also sustained injuries but, like Nubie, did not disclose how they occurred. Detectives from West Midlands Police reviewed CCTV footage, which provided evidence of the two men firing guns.

Both Nubie and Durrell-Smith were charged with wounding with intent and pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm. They were found guilty of wounding with intent in October and sentenced on Thursday. Following the shooting, a closure order was issued for the FJ Lounge.

Detective Sergeant Phil Hinton stated that the actions of both men were selfish and reckless, highlighting the potential for fatalities among bystanders. He emphasized the West Midlands Police's commitment to combating gun crime and ensuring those involved are brought to justice.