Greenwich pub gunman gets 17 years

He returned an hour later with a revolver, shooting six bullets and injuring three people.

Sentencing him at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, Judge Charles Byers, said: "It is merciful you did not do more damage.

"In such circumstances it was only accident, in my mind, that you didn't kill someone. The public are rightly concerned at the level of firearms used in instances of these sort on the streets of this country.

"The sentence I pass on you not only reflects that but tries to send a clear message to those that are tempted to carry out such acts that they will suffer a severe punishment."

Scott was in the pub with his girlfriend and another couple on Friday, February 20. Following an allegation from someone in the pub to security staff at about 1.30am Scott was taken to the door and spoken to.

When he was asked to leave, Scott punched the head of security Marcel Theodhori in the face. He was ejected and an altercation outside the pub was alleged to have left Scott with a broken leg. The defendant then left with his girlfriend.

An hour later when security staff were outside helping people find taxis, Scott returned wearing a balaclava and holding a silver revolver, which was used to shoot Mr Theodhori in the leg. The pub owner was shot in the leg and a customer was hit in the foot.

Scott ran off to a waiting getaway car but two doorman, Theo Yatcham and Tieomoko Sidibe, gave chase. In the struggle they pulled off his balaclava. Scott made his getaway but was arrested the following day.

Police found on him a key to a flat in Woolwich Arsenal, which had in it a shotgun and bullets, as well as a balaclava which had on it Scott's DNA. He was also identified by the doormen in an identity parade.

Scott initially denied the charges, but pleaded guilty before the case went to trial. He claimed he was in possession of the firearms because he was being paid to look after them.

Judge Byers judge passed a sentence of 11 years each for wounded with intent and six years for grevious bodily harm to be served concurrently. Scott also received up to six years for possession of firearms with intent, to be served consecutively.

The judge praised the doormen, Mr Yatcham and Mr Sidibe, for chasing Scott following the shooting and promised them each a thousand pounds reward from the public purse.

He said: "That was bravery often not seen on the streets of this country.

"I take the view the public owes them a debt of gratitude and they played a great part in bringing this man to justice."