Gunman Stephen Dunford Jailed for Shooting 12-Year-Old Outside Home
Stephen Dunford, 26, was today slammed with three life sentences after firing shots from a car on Northern Avenue, Arbourthorne, in January — leaving a 12-year-old boy with serious gunshot wounds to his thigh.
The young victim was part of a group of teens heading to Meadowhall cinema when the terrifying attack unfolded.
A Complex Case Ends in Justice
Described by the lead detective as one of the toughest cases of his career, Dunford faced a six-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court. Judge Jeremy Richardson QC branded Dunford’s courtroom conduct as a “lava-flow of lies,” quashing any doubt over his guilt.
Dunford was sentenced to three concurrent life terms, with a minimum of 19 years behind bars.
“His conduct was corrosive towards society and demonstrates a life steeped in irredeemable criminality. Dunford poses an immense danger to the public,” the judge declared.
Detectives Crack Case with CCTV and Forensics
Detective Chief Inspector Jade Brice hailed the victim and family for their bravery amidst the “distressing ordeal.” He emphasised, “No child should face such terror outside their own home.”
Thousands of hours of CCTV footage were painstakingly analysed by specialist officers. Key evidence linked Dunford to a burnt-out stolen Ford Focus used in the shootout. The car was known to have cloned number plates and, notably, Dunford’s involvement was confirmed from a 2019 road rage incident caught on footage — previously threatened for deletion by the driver himself.
A second car, a white Audi hired in Dunford’s mother’s name, was sighted near the scene and placed Dunford at the heart of the crime by forensic proof.
Rapper in the Dock: Dunford’s Own Lyrics Seal His Fate
While behind bars, Dunford incriminated himself further by recording a rap describing the shooting, including chilling lines like “youth caught a stray” and turning “a man’s hoodie, into a vest top” — references to the victims hit by bullets that day.
The recording was shared on social media, seized, and admitted in court.
Accomplices Face Jail as Gang Broken Up
- Brandon Bailey, 26, described as “a sycophantic supplicant” in Dunford’s gang, was jailed for 10½ years for conspiracy to possess a firearm and possession of criminal property. Bailey’s DNA was found on recovered weapons.
- Devon Gregory, 23, was acquitted of all charges.
DCI Brice urged the Sheffield community to come forward with any information on armed crime, reminding residents: “You can truly make a difference.”
