Luton man given suspended sentence over violent gang fights

Luton Crown Court heard how Andrea Kulla was involved in violent incidents relating to drugs

An Albanian man who was shot and struck with a sword during a gang feud has been given an 18-month suspended jail sentence.

Andrea Kulla, 33, was found guilty of violent disorder and affray at Luton Crown Court.

The court heard how violent outbreaks between two rival gangs took place on Luton streets in April 2020.

The judge said: "The public are sick and tired about these feuds being played out on our streets."

Kulla, of Alfriston Close, Luton, was said to be involved in two of three outbreaks of violence relating to a drug dispute on 29 April 2020, starting at 17:00 BST and then finishing near Luton railway station at 19:30.

Prosecutor Alex Krikler said: "It was still light and people were going about their business.

"It was no doubt very frightening. One witness was in her home and ducked down as a shot was fired."

The prosecutor said Kulla had arrived at the scene in a black BWM X5.

A black BMW 3 series came to a sudden stop in front of that car.

Kulla got out and was armed with a pole. He swung it at one of his rivals but missed and smashed the driver side window of the 3 series.

Kulla was shot in the chest and his hand was lacerated by a sword during the incident.

He was taken to hospital and was later arrested on 7 May 2020.

The court heard that Kulla worked as builder and had been in the UK for 11 years.

He had four previous convictions, including two for possessing class A drugs.

The judge said the violence had "left the populous terrified" and said "whether revenge or retaliation, you were not acting in self-defence".

"The victims were ordinary decent people going about their daily lives."

Kulla was given an 18-month jail sentence, suspended for two years.

He must complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay prosecution costs of £670.