A would-be assassin's plot unraveled when her gun jammed, leading to her imminent sentencing.
Aimee Betro, 45, is facing sentencing this Thursday following her conviction for conspiracy to murder and related charges stemming from a botched assassination attempt in Birmingham. This dramatic incident unfolded on September 7, 2019, when Betro, disguised in a niqab, tried to shoot Sikander Ali outside his home on Measham Grove.
Fortunately for Ali, the gun malfunctioned, allowing him to escape without harm.
The Attempt and Arrest
During a gripping three-week trial, it became clear that Betro was part of a larger conspiracy involving Mohammed Aslam, 56, and his son, Mohammed Nabil Nazir, 31.
Both men were sentenced last year for their roles in this plot, which was rooted in a family feud. Prosecutors painted a picture of revenge as the driving force behind the assassination attempt, linked to a confrontation in July 2018 at a clothing store owned by Ali’s father, Aslat Mahumad.
Prosecutor Tom Walkling KC highlighted how the feud escalated, pushing Aslam and Nazir to seek vengeance against the Mahumad family. Betro’s involvement began in late 2018 when she met Nazir on a dating app. After exchanging messages on Snapchat, she made her way to the UK on Christmas Day 2018, initially staying with him in London.
Just weeks before the attempted murder, records show Betro arrived in Manchester on August 22, 2019. On the night of the incident, CCTV footage captured her near the scene as she attempted to shoot Ali. When the gun jammed, Ali managed to flee in his vehicle. Hours later, Betro returned to the scene and fired three shots into the windows of Ali’s home. How chilling is that?
Trial Revelations
Throughout her trial, Betro maintained that she had no knowledge of any murder plot, claiming she was in the UK to celebrate her 40th birthday. She tried to deflect blame, suggesting that the woman seen on CCTV was another American woman connected to Nazir, despite the overwhelming video evidence linking her to the scene. Can you imagine the audacity?
The jury ultimately found her guilty of conspiracy to murder, possession of a self-loading pistol, and evading the prohibition on importing ammunition. The court heard how Betro’s actions were part of a meticulously planned scheme, involving communication and coordination with her co-conspirators. Her defense failed to convince the jury, leading to her conviction.
Sentencing and Future Implications
Judge Simon Drew KC will oversee the sentencing at Birmingham Crown Court. This case has attracted significant media attention, not only for the nature of the crime but also for the dramatic circumstances surrounding Betro’s involvement. Aslam received a 10-year sentence, while Nazir was handed down a staggering 32 years for his more prominent role in the conspiracy.
As the court prepares for sentencing, the community is left reflecting on the violent undercurrents that culminated in such a drastic attempt on a life fueled by personal vendettas. This case serves as a stark reminder of the lengths individuals may go when driven by revenge and the serious consequences that follow. What are your thoughts on how far people will go for a grudge?
