Stevenage man jailed for 22 years after firing gun in pub row

In a letter to the judge Liam Campbell apologised for what he had done and was remorseful

A 26-year-old man who fired a gun on New Year's Eve after a row in a pub has been jailed for 22 years.

Liam Campbell argued with two brothers at Our Mutual Friend in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, on 31 December 2022.

Later he fired two shots from a converted blank pistol at the two men.

At St Albans Crown Court, Campbell, from Rockingham Way, Stevenage, was found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a firearm and ammunition.

He had pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm.

Prosecutor Isabel Delamare told St Albans Crown Court there was shouting and swearing before Campbell picked up two glasses and threw them towards the brothers.

One of them hit the brothers' sister, knocking her out and causing a cut to the back of her head.

A short while later Campbell, who said he had six or seven drinks, and co-defendant Charlie Kettle, 25, were involved in a second confrontation with the men.

Charlie Kettle gave a prepared statement in which he said the brothers were looking for trouble and had weapons, he said that at no point did he have the firearm

Campbell fired a converted blank firing pistol twice at the men. Kettle was heard to say: "Shoot it. Shoot it or Let it off," said Ms Delamere.

Campbell and Kettle fled the scene and the gun was never found.

The police arrested Campbell at an address in Welwyn Garden City on 15 January and Kettle in Suffolk on 18 January.

Both men were sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on Friday

Kettle, aged 25, of Pembridge Gardens, Stevenage also appeared for sentence having been found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Judge Lana Wood told Kettle his role was one of "encouragement." She jailed him for 8 years 6 months with a 12 month extended licence.

The judge told Campbell: "This shooting was premeditated. There was a point when you decided to get a gun. No harm, fortunately, was caused."

She found him to be a dangerous offender and passed an extended sentence which meant he would be on licence for a further 2 years 6 months at the end of the 22 year sentence.

After the defendants' convictions Det Con Chris Jones said Hertfordshire Constabulary "will not tolerate the carrying and use of unlicensed firearms in this town".

He said: "I hope this sends a very clear message to those whose lifestyle involves the carrying and use of weapons, that you are not welcome in Stevenage."