Failed assassin disguised in niqab jailed for 30 years after gun jammed as she fired at target

AN American woman disguised in a niqab whose gun jammed in a failed assassination plot in Birmingham has been jailed for 30 years.

- By Stephanie Wareham

Aimee Betro flew to the UK before she tried to shoot Sikander Ali at pointblank range outside his home in Measham Grove, Yardley, Birmingham, shortly after 8pm on September 7 2019.

Jurors at Birmingham Crown Court found the 45-year-old graduate guilty of conspiracy to murder as well as possessing a self-loading pistol and fraudulently evading the prohibition on importing ammunition, on August 12.

The jury of six men and six women deliberated for almost 21 hours before returning their verdicts, two of which were by an 11-1 majority.