Leon Haughton, aged 34, has been sentenced to 32 years in prison after shooting a man at close range in a Dudley car park earlier this year.
On April 6, at around 1:20 a.m., Haughton tracked his victim’s vehicle using GPS devices he secretly attached underneath the car with cable ties. CCTV footage captured Haughton fleeing the scene on foot before driving away in his vehicle.
The victim, a man in his twenties, arrived at the hospital approximately 25 minutes following the shooting.
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Just over a week later, on April 14, armed officers pursued Haughton in Wolverhampton after spotting him driving a grey Vauxhall Astra. Police boxed in his car on Great Hampton Street, leading to his surrender when officers pointed guns at him. A loaded sawn-off shotgun and 11 cartridges were found in the boot of his vehicle.
Investigations revealed that Haughton had meticulously researched his victim and planned the attack in advance. The case was heard at Wolverhampton Crown Court, where Haughton was convicted of attempted murder on October 10 and sentenced on November 5.
Detective Inspector Francis Nock of the West Midlands Police Major Crime Team highlighted the thoroughness of the investigation. “This was a targeted, pre-planned attack by Haughton,” he said. “It is only sheer luck that the victim survived. Thanks to detailed analysis of CCTV footage and mobile data, we uncovered the extent of Haughton’s preparation and movements before and after the attack.”
DI Nock added, “This sentence sends a clear message that firearms have no place in our communities. We remain committed to pursuing justice and ensuring those who use guns face the law.”