A man who fired a shotgun at two thieves who attempted to break into his house and steal his cannibis farm has today been jailed for eight and a half years.
Steven Hyde, 52, of Daisy Bank, Newton Heath, was found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life after a trial at Manchester Crown Court Crown Square.
The incident occured on August 9 2012, with both men escaping unharmed.
He was later arrested for possession of a firearm after a bullet struck a neighbour’s car.
Detective Constable Mike Keogh of North Manchester division said: “It was only sheer luck that the victims were not hit and had they been, Hyde would have been facing much more serious charges than he faced today.
“Firing a shotgun at someone on a residential street because you believe they are trying to steal your cannabis farm is not only incredibly dangerous, but also shows a complete disregard for the safety of his neighbours.
“This sentence hopefully demonstrates that we simply will not tolerate guns in our communities.”
Image courtesy of GMP, with thanks.
