Gunman Sentenced for Shooting Innocent Passer-by in Ellesmere Port
A man who blasted an innocent passer-by in Ellesmere Port during a busy Saturday afternoon has been locked up for life. Liam Cameron, 26, took aim at a 31-year-old rival but missed – instead hitting a 66-year-old man in the leg.
Shotgun Blast Rocks Town Centre
The chilling incident happened on Saturday, 30 November 2019, when Cameron pulled a gun from his waistband and pointed it at his intended victim’s face in a dark alley. Before the shooting, Cameron had circled outside a sandwich shop on his bike, intimidating the man inside.
As the victim left the shop to confront Cameron, an innocent passer-by walking along Enfield Road suddenly heard a loud bang. He was struck by pellets from the shotgun blast, describing the blow as feeling like being hit by a sledgehammer.
Serious Injuries and Swift Police Action
- The 66-year-old required surgery after dozens of pellets lodged deep in his leg; only one could be removed.
- The bullet tore through the shopping bag he was carrying, scattering its contents.
- The shooting unfolded in a crowded area, with families and two children nearby.
- Police sealed off the area, and paramedics rushed the victim to hospital.
Cameron fled the scene on his bike and hid at his girlfriend’s home in Bromborough. He was caught the next day and charged.
Life Behind Bars for ‘Gangster with a Gun’
At Chester Crown Court, Cameron pleaded guilty to two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent, possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence, and involvement in class A drug supply. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 15 years behind bars, though eligible for parole after 7 years and 6 months.
“Cameron intended to cause serious harm to his target but missed and injured an innocent passer-by instead,” said Detective Inspector Nigel Parr. “It is likely the shopping bag helped save the victim from worse injury.”
The judge branded Cameron a “gangster with a gun,” condemning his reckless and dangerous actions that put the whole town at risk.
“It is perhaps pure luck that no-one suffered life-threatening injuries or worse,” said DI Parr. “Thanks to everyone involved in ensuring this dangerous man is off the streets.”
Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane added, “This incident terrified the local community. My thoughts are with the injured man. I applaud the officers who brought Cameron to justice.”
