Gunman who shot Wolverhampton victim at close range and left him with 'significant injuries' jailed for more than 20 years
A gunman who shot his victim at close range in Wolverhampton has been jailed for more than 20 years for attempted murder.
Kieron Thomas admitted trying to kill his intended target when he fired a shotgun at him by a park in Dudley Road in Wolverhampton.
Despite the man suffering significant injuries to his body and left arm, he was able get to a nearby address and raise the alarm.
Specially-trained firearms officers from West Midlands Police carried out emergency first aid before he was treated by paramedics and taken to hospital.
Investigators used CCTV footage to establish the events of that night, on August 27, which had started earlier with a dispute between a number of people, who Thomas knew.
He was quickly identified as a suspect and firearms officers carried out a warrant at an address in Wolverhampton, but Thomas fled.
He tried to escape over fences and into neighbouring gardens, but with support from police drones and dog units, he was soon detained.
On searching the gardens, a balaclava was also recovered along with a glove, both of which contained a shotgun cartridge. A further 27 cartridges were also seized from the address.
When he appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Tuesday, October 7, Thomas pleaded guilty to attempted murder and possessing a firearm with intent.
Det Insp Francis Nock, from the Major Crime Team, said: "Within 11 days we'd analysed a large amount of CCTV footage and alongside mobile phone data we were able to identify Thomas as the suspected gunman.
"The evidence against him was supported by the recovery of shotgun cartridges which resulted in him pleading to the charges and being convicted six weeks after he carried out the attack.
"Firearms have no place on our streets or in our communities and we will always work tirelessly to bring criminals who believe it is acceptable to use these weapons and cause harm to others, to justice."
