A Wolverhampton man who attempted to kill a victim by firing a shotgun at close range has been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison. Kieron Thomas, 30, admitted to the charges of attempted murder and possessing a firearm with intent after a violent incident that took place on August 27 in a park near Dudley Road.
The attack, which left the victim with significant injuries, was the result of a dispute involving Thomas and a number of people he knew. The altercation escalated when Thomas fired the shotgun at his intended target, narrowly missing fatal injury but causing serious harm. Fortunately, officers from West Midlands Police, trained in emergency first aid, provided immediate care before paramedics arrived to transport the victim to the hospital for further treatment.
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Investigators quickly pieced together the details of the shooting using CCTV footage from nearby cameras, which helped confirm the sequence of events leading up to the attack. Thomas was identified as the primary suspect within days of the incident, and firearms officers immediately carried out a warrant at an address in Wolverhampton, where Thomas was believed to be hiding.
Despite fleeing the scene and attempting to escape by climbing over fences and into neighbouring gardens, Thomas was soon apprehended with the help of police drones and dog units. During a subsequent search of the area, a balaclava and a glove containing a shotgun cartridge were found, along with 27 additional cartridges at the address. These crucial pieces of evidence played a key role in securing a conviction for Thomas.
Appearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on October 7, Thomas pleaded guilty to both attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent. His swift conviction came just six weeks after the attack, a testament to the effectiveness of the investigation and the prompt action of the West Midlands Police force.
Det Insp Francis Nock, from the Major Crime Team, expressed satisfaction with the result of the case. “Within 11 days, we had analysed a large amount of CCTV footage and mobile phone data, allowing us to identify Thomas as the suspected gunman,” said Nock. “The recovery of shotgun cartridges from the scene further corroborated the evidence, leading to his conviction. 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.”
The successful conviction of Thomas marks a significant victory in the ongoing effort to combat gun violence in Wolverhampton and the wider West Midlands area. It serves as a reminder of the commitment of local law enforcement to hold individuals accountable for the use of firearms and to protect the safety of the community.
Thomas will serve a lengthy prison sentence, ensuring that he will be removed from the streets for an extended period of time. The victim, whose identity has not been released, is continuing to recover from the traumatic incident, with support from family and community members. The case highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and cooperation in preventing violence and bringing justice to victims.