Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Would-Be Hitman Accidentally Shoots Accomplice in Stolen Car

Police say the mishap exposed a planned shooting, produced phone and forensic evidence tying the men to drugs plus illegal firearms, with sentencing due on July 30, 2026.

Overview

  • Police say the incident began when the gun discharged inside a stolen Mitsubishi Outlander parked in Smethwick, injuring passenger Asad Khan on November 23, 2025.
  • Khan took a taxi to hospital and was later arrested after officers seized his mobile and found messages that investigators say showed he and Adam Liaqat were en route to carry out a shooting.
  • A later police pursuit on December 2, 2025, led to the arrest of Liaqat after items including Class A drugs and a burner phone were thrown from the fleeing Honda Accord.
  • All three defendants — Liaqat, Khan and Yakuba Sawaneh — were convicted at Wolverhampton Crown Court on May 21, 2026, on firearms and drugs charges arising from the events and related searches.
  • Detectives say the case shows how stolen vehicles, burner phones and drug supply often link to illegally held guns and investigators warn sentencing on July 30, 2026, may result in significant prison terms.