A LUTON man found guilty of attempted murder has been sentenced to 18 years at Luton Crown Court on Thursday.
Omar Richards, aged 22, who lived in Stronnell Close, Luton at the time of the offence, had been charged after a painstaking investigation by officers from Luton’s Criminal Investigation Department, into a shooting which happened on May 10, last year outside the Cooperative Store in Wigmore Lane, Luton.
A jury at Luton Crown Court found Richards guilty of attempted murder last month.
Richards had previously pleaded guilty to the possession of a firearm and ammunition in a public place and the possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
During the sentencing Richards was told that he will now serve a minimum of nine years before being eligible for parole.
The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Constable Thomas Hamm, said after the sentencing; “I would like to thank those members of the public who helped bring this man to justice. The length of the sentence today reflects the fear and danger Richards posed to the general public and reflects the force’s resolve to remove violent criminals from our streets and make our towns safer places to live, work and visit.”
Bedfordshire Police has a zero tolerance approach towards the use and possession of illegal firearms and continues its crackdown against criminals in the county. If you have information about those you believe are involved in crime you can contact Bedfordshire Police, in confidence, on 01234 841212 or text 07786 200011.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
Comments