Gunman jailed for 34 years over nightclub shooting

Shaquille Blake fired a gun at a man in the foyer of the club

A man has been sentenced to 34 years in prison, over a shooting in the foyer of a nightclub in the West Midlands.

Shaquille Blake, 30, from Kelsall Croft, Birmingham, also kicked his victim in the face in the attack at MJ's Bar in Wednesbury before fleeing the scene and flying to Dubai.

Police were alerted when the victim turned up in hospital with abdominal and arm injuries after the attack in August 2023.

Blake was convicted at Birmingham Crown Court of attempted murder and possessing a firearm.

Det Ch Insp Alastair Orencas said: "Blake not only carried a gun but was fully prepared to fire the weapon.

"There's no doubt on another day this could have had really tragic consequences."

Blake was detained during a traffic stop in Ladywood, Birmingham, following his return to the UK.

The venue lost its licence in the aftermath of the shooting.

Police are also trying to trace Ricardo Mendez over the attack

Officers said their investigation was "far from over", and they were still trying to trace a second man in connection with the attack.

Ricardo Mendez, who is 33 and from Walsall, is also believed to have left the country after the shooting.

A police statement said they were "working with various agencies" to locate him, and were keen to hear from anyone with information which could help.