Two men have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms following a shocking shotgun attack and vandalism spree in Wickford in 2020. Thomas Connors, 24, from Edgware, Middlesex, was handed nine years and six months in prison. Thomas Saunders, from Rayleigh, received a seven-year sentence. Both were sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on 31 March.
The incident began on 9 September 2020, when a man living on Hovefields Avenue was woken by the sound of gunfire. Upon answering his door, he engaged in a verbal confrontation with Saunders. Shortly after, the victim found that his living room window had been smashed. Additionally, a caravan and a car on the property had broken windows.
Following the attack, police conducted a raid at Saunders’ home the next day. Officers recovered a shotgun along with two other firearms hidden nearby in the woods. The shotgun was identified as stolen during an earlier break-in in Layer-de-la-Haye. Forensic analysis linked both Saunders and Connors to the crime scene through evidence found in a suspect vehicle.
On 19 October 2020, police apprehended Saunders and Connors after a brief car chase on Twickenham High Street. Connors was driving on a provisional licence at the time. Both men were charged and subsequently found guilty after a trial.
Detective Sergeant Steve Robson of Essex Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit commented on the sentencing: “The court has jailed both men for substantial periods of time, which shows how seriously they view these offences. This is a fantastic result. Not only have we taken two dangerous offenders and three firearms off our streets, it proves no one is above the law.”
He added, “We don’t tolerate criminals who use guns, even when no one is hurt. That’s why we worked hard to bring Connors and Saunders to justice. The firearms will be destroyed.”
Details of the sentences are as follows:
Thomas Connors: Nine years and six months total; seven years for encouraging offences, one year concurrent for criminal damage, and six months consecutive for dangerous driving. He is disqualified from driving for two years after release and must pass an extended driving test. Connors also received additional sentences totaling four years for unrelated burglaries.
Thomas Saunders: Seven years total; seven years for possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, plus one year concurrent for criminal damage.
Originally published by UKNIP.
