Three jailed after Redruth attack involving gun and hammer

Gavin Smale, Paul Amoah and Lee Mitchell were sentenced for the attack last July

Three men have been jailed after a burglary and violent attack involving a shooting in Redruth.

Paul Amoah, Lee Mitchell and Gavin Smale, all of Redruth, were convicted for a range of offences at Truro Crown Court on 30 January.

On Monday, Amoah was sentenced to 27 years, Mitchell to nine years and Smale was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Speaking outside court, police said the attack, involving a handgun and hammer, was "brazen".

The attacks took place in a house on Drump Road on 6 July 2023.

After the trio were jailed, police described how, after breaking into the house, Amoah shot one of the occupants in the back with a Beretta handgun and Mitchell repeatedly hit another man over the head with a hammer while Smale kept watch outside.

'Serious harm intent'

Det Insp Dave Egan said: "Amoah kept a dangerous firearm at his home without fear.

"He brazenly took it out on the streets and into another person's home with the intent on causing serious harm to someone who, when faced with such a weapon, had no choice but to flee, resulting in him to be shot in the back as he did so.

"The victim suffered extremely serious, life-threatening injuries, had to go through multiple operations and is extremely lucky to be alive today.

"He avoided being killed by a couple of millimetres."

A third victim barricaded himself in his room but sustained a cut to the head after one of the offenders tried to force his way into his room, police said.

The men then burgled the house, officers said, taking hundreds of pounds in cash and one of the victim's passports.

A Beretta pistol was used in the attack, police said

Supt Ian Thompson, police commander of west Cornwall, said: "Fortunately, offences of this type and seriousness are extremely rare in Cornwall.

"But, when they do occur, this understandably causes significant concern in the local community.

"The police response to this incident was swift and professional, with the suspects identified and arrested quickly."

Amoah, 39 of Hawthorn Close, was sentenced to 27 years in prison after being found guilty of attempted murder, wounding with intent and aggravated burglary.

Mitchell, 28 of Tresaderns Road, was found guilty of wounding with intent and aggravated burglary and was handed a nine-year sentence.

Smale, 44 of Fore Street, was found guilty of unlawful wounding and aggravated burglary and was sentenced to seven years in prison.