Key Points

• Aaron Nubie, 46, and Kimani Durrell-Smith, 27, received 18-year prison sentences after a shootout outside a venue in Aston.
• Court proceedings showed both men drew loaded 9mm handguns and fired at close range within a fraction of a second of each other following a dispute over “disrespect”.
• A street vendor selling jerk chicken was caught in the crossfire and wounded during the gunfight.
• Nubie went to a hospital for gunshot wounds to his neck and hand shortly after the shooting, and police arrested Durrell-Smith in West Bromwich.
• Police secured a formal closure order for the FJ Lounge on Bickford Road following the violence.

Birmingham (Birmingham Express) October 24, 2026 – Two men have been sentenced to 18 years in prison each after engaging in a gunfight outside a nightclub in Aston, Birmingham, which left an innocent bystander injured.

The violent altercation unfolded at approximately 6:00 am on March 23 outside the FJ Lounge on Bickford Road. Aaron Nubie, aged 46, of Marsh Close, Erdington, and Kimani Durrell-Smith, aged 27, of Victoria Road, Stockland Green, opened fire on one another at point-blank range using illegal handguns.

What Caused the Nightclub Gunfight in Aston?

The shootout erupted following a confrontation centered around an allegation of “disrespect”. CCTV footage captured the rapid escalation outside the venue as both individuals produced loaded weapons.

As reported by Carl Jackson and Harry Leach of BirminghamLive, Judge Andrew Smith KC remarked during sentencing that “Durrell-Smith pulled out his gun when he saw Nubie and both men opened fire within a fraction of a second of each other”.

A third party who was working at a nearby jerk chicken food stall was struck during the rapid exchange of gunfire.

How Were the Suspects Located and Apprehended by Police?

Following the incident, emergency responders arrived at Bickford Road and West Midlands Police launched an immediate investigation to identify the armed men. Approximately 30 minutes after the gunfire ceased, Nubie arrived at a local hospital seeking treatment for gunshot wounds to his neck and hand.

According to West Midlands Police, Nubie initially claimed to officers that he was unable to remember how his injuries occurred. He was placed under arrest at the hospital.

Durrell-Smith, who suffered a gunshot wound to his shoulder during the incident, did not seek hospital treatment. Officers subsequently tracked him down and arrested him following a armed warrant at a residential address in West Bromwich.

What Verdicts and Sentences Were Issued at Birmingham Crown Court?

Following a full trial at Birmingham Crown Court, both defendants were convicted of wounding with intent. Both men had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm.

During court proceedings, Nubie chose to represent himself and mounted a defence based on self-preservation. As reported by Carl Jackson and Harry Leach of BirminghamLive, Nubie stated in court:

“It was a form of self-defence. I felt like I had a right to do it because my life was at stake at the situation.”

Addressing both men from the bench, Judge Andrew Smith KC observed that while the violence was neither significantly premeditated nor entirely spontaneous, both men were carrying lethal weapons.

“You didn’t know one another but you had something in common. Each of you, as you accept, were in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun. Each of you carried your firearm in a readily accessible way and, as events were to unfold, did not hesitate to use your lethal, illegal weapons.”

On October 22, Judge Smith handed down extended sentences to both defendants comprising 15 years in custody alongside extended three-year licence periods, totaling an 18-year sentence for each individual.

How Did West Midlands Police Respond to the Court Outcome?

Following the conclusion of sentencing, law enforcement officials highlighted the dangerous nature of the incident and reaffirmed their efforts to tackle armed violence.

As reported by West Midlands Police, Detective Sergeant Phil Hinton from the Major Crime Team stated:

“Both men made a decision to arm themselves, and then to fire at each other at close range – which could have cost them their lives, and the lives of others. The fact that a member of the public was injured because of their dispute shows how selfish and reckless their actions were. We don’t tolerate guns on the streets of the West Midlands, and we are working hard to identify and bring to justice those involved in gun crime.”

Police confirmed that their ongoing efforts against illegal firearms continue under Operation Target, a region-wide crackdown targeting serious and organized crime. Additionally, authorities successfully applied for a formal closure order for FJ Lounge following the incident.

Background of the Particular Development

Gun crime across the West Midlands has remained a focal point for regional police forces and local councils. Under police operations such as Operation Target, law enforcement agencies have actively targeted illicit firearm networks, gang activity, and late-night violence surrounding licensed venues.

The closure order granted against FJ Lounge reflects strict local licensing standards, where authorities frequently step in to revoke licenses or enforce venue closures when public safety is compromised by severe violent incidents.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect the Local Community and Nightlife Industry

This development is likely to have immediate effects on several key groups across Birmingham, particularly night-time economy operators, patrons, and local residents in Aston.

• Impact on Venue Owners and Licensing: Nightclub operators across the West Midlands can expect stricter licensing scrutiny, compulsory security reviews, and mandatory metal detection protocols at doors to prevent concealed weapons from entering late-night establishments.
• Impact on Local Residents and Public Safety: For residents in Aston and the surrounding areas, the 18-year custodial sentences provide a deterrent message regarding street violence, while the permanent closure of trouble-plagued venues aims to reduce late-night disruption.
• Impact on Law Enforcement Operations: Police operations like Operation Target are expected to intensify targeted firearm seizures and armed raids in urban corridors, utilizing intelligence to remove illegal 9mm handguns from circulation before similar clashes occur.