Pair jailed for shooting man in botched burglary
Adam Wilson and David Bowen have been jailed over the shooting
- Published
Two men who "inexplicably" shot a passer-by in the leg as he foiled their attempt to burgle a home have been jailed
David Bowen, 33, and Adam Wilson, 29, were challenged by the man who saw them acting suspiciously outside a property on Boxwood Gardens in St Helens on 19 July at about 22:30 BST last year.
When approached, the pair threatened the man before shooting him the leg, Liverpool Crown Court heard on Monday.
Bowen was sentenced to ten years in prison, while Wilson was jailed for 11 years and eight months after both pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to commit robbery and section 18 assault.
Merseyside Police said the pair, both of St Helens, were arrested within two days of the shooting.
They were each sentenced to spend an additional four years on extended licence after their release.
'Truly shocking'
Bowen and Wilson had armed themselves before the botched burglary on the quiet residential area of St Helens, Merseyside Police said.
They were spotted by the man as he passed them on the street.
Detective Inspector John Mullen said when they were disrupted they "inexplicably used the weapon to shoot him in the leg".
He said: "The reckless actions of these two men were truly shocking.
"Clearly this could have had far more serious if not fatal consequences and it's only right they are now serving lengthy prison sentences."
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