Pair jailed after 'mistaken identity' shooting

Two men have been jailed after shooting and injuring a man in an "almost fatal" case of mistaken identity.

Simeon Bernard, 39, and Darren Atkins, 42, drove from Birmingham to Gloucester on 18 January, a trip ending with their victim being shot in the leg during a confrontation.

Bernard was sentenced to 16 years and two months in prison, and Atkins was jailed for 12 years and seven months at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.

A statement by the victim to the court said: "There is no statement that can fully explain all of the ways in which my life has been broken by their actions."

Bernard, of Knightwick Crescent, Birmingham, and Atkins, of Hastings Road, Birmingham, travelled to Stanway Road, Gloucester on two motorbikes.

Along with an unidentified third man, who rode on the back of Bernard's motorbike, the men targeted the man who, after a confrontation, Bernard shot in the leg before the men rode off.

Richard Posner, prosecuting, said the victim was "an innocent man who lived on that road, a man who was not the intended target, a dangerous and almost fatal case of mistaken identity".

The victim has since undergone numerous operations to remove the bullet and realign his leg, but still needs ongoing treatment.

Darren Atkins' defence barrister told the court he did not know anyone was in possession of a gun

The victim's statement, read out in court, said: "One of the worst parts of this experience is that it has robbed my ability to be close with my loved ones.

"I have not been able to share a bed with my wife since it happened. I have had to sleep on a makeshift bed downstairs in our house.

"I cannot play with my young daughter, go out on day trips or help out around the house.

"All of these things, these moments that made my life what it was, were stolen from me that night by these men."

'No shred of remorse'

The court heard Bernard had been paid to take someone to the location and that his role was to be the driver, not the gunman, which is what he became.

The court also heard, in mitigation, Bernard provided first aid to a prison officer who had been stabbed while he was in custody, but was unwilling to name the unidentified man as he was scared.

Atkins', defence barrister, told the court he did not know anyone was in possession of a firearm, and he did not get involved in the confrontation.

Det Insp Paula Hannaford, at Gloucestershire Police, said: "Neither Bernard or Atkins have really shown a shred of remorse for the injuries and trauma they have inflicted on an entirely innocent family."

Anyone with information about the unidentified third suspect has been urged to contact police.

Bernard was sentenced to 16 years and two months in prison

Bernard and Atkins pleaded guilty to offences on the second day of their trial on Thursday, and have been told they must serve at least two thirds of their sentences.

Bernard admitted to Section 18 wounding with intent, possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Atkins admitted to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.