A wanted robber has been jailed for more than five years after a chance encounter with a West Midlands Police officer led to the discovery of an illegal handgun hidden inside a shoe at his Coventry home. Sami Sharif, 33, was sentenced to five years and six months in prison after being found guilty of possessing a prohibited firearm.
Chance Encounter Led to Arrest
The investigation began on 15 January 2026, when a West Midlands Police officer spotted Sharif near the Nauls Mill Underpass in Coventry. Recognising that Sharif was wanted in connection with a robbery investigation, the officer arrested him at the scene. A search of Sharif uncovered a small amount of cannabis.
Gun Hidden in Shoe
Officers then searched Sharif’s home on Terry Road, Coventry, looking for property linked to the robbery investigation. During the search, they discovered a handgun concealed inside a shoe on top of a wardrobe. The weapon was seized and sent for forensic examination.
Claim It Was a Toy Rejected
When questioned by detectives, Sharif claimed he had found the gun in a park and believed it was simply a toy. However, forensic firearms experts established that the weapon was a parlour pistol. Although historically designed for indoor target shooting, the firearm is capable of firing low-powered but potentially lethal ammunition and is prohibited under UK firearms legislation.
Five-and-a-Half-Year Jail Sentence
Sharif was prosecuted for possession of a firearm and stood trial at Coventry Crown Court, where he was found guilty. On Thursday 16 July, he was sentenced to five years and six months’ imprisonment.
Police Highlight Firearms Threat
West Midlands Police said the case demonstrates the dangers posed by illegal firearms and how routine police work can lead to the recovery of potentially lethal weapons from the streets. The force continues to target offenders involved in serious organised crime and the illegal possession of firearms across the West Midlands.
