Operation Tavara” saw the prosecution of three men for murder and possession of a firearm following the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Connor Brookes in Walsall on 8th July 2024. These three principal defendants were also charged with the attempted murder of a second man who was present alongside Mr Brookes. A fourth defendant was charged with perverting the course of justice.
During the trial, the jury heard that Mr Brookes was shot in retaliation for the death of Bailey Atkinson who was murdered in Walsall town centre in 2023 and whose death was the subject of a trial before Nottingham Crown Court last year.
The prosecution case relied upon CCTV, telematics evidence and a ballistics expert.
All four defendants denied their involvement in this case and were convicted by a jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court following a six-week trial.
Michael and Chloë were instructed by Robin Allen of the Complex Casework Unit.
Please see below for media coverage of the case:
Drive-by shooting killers convicted in Bailey Atkinson ‘revenge attack’ – BirminghamLive
Three men found guilty of murdering Connor Brookes in Walsall drive-by shooting – Express & Star
Three men facing life sentences for murder of Connor Brookes in Walsall – West Midlands Police
