Fugitive Gunman and Girlfriend Jailed Over Tragic Sheffield Shooting
Kevin Pokuta Killed in Mistaken Identity Shooting
Kevin Pokuta, just 19, was fatally shot on Page Hall Road, Sheffield, on 12 December 2023. The teen’s death sparked a major police probe, leading to five convictions earlier. Now, the man who fled the country and his girlfriend who aided his escape have been locked up.
Police Crack Case Using Mountains of CCTV
Detectives pored over thousands of hours of CCTV to pinpoint Ethan Hallows as a key player. Hallows was linked to a gang’s failed robbery attempt that same night. Cameras caught him driving around Page Hall Road, hunting down anyone who stopped their crime spree.
- Hallows’ car passed by Kevin and his younger brother, parked nearby.
- Footage revealed Hallows ordering Jake Brown to fire the fatal shot.
- Brown had already been convicted for the killing back in December 2024.
Couple’s Attempted Escape Abroad Foiled
Panicked by the evidence, Hallows bolted abroad with help from girlfriend Paris Askew. Police uncovered chilling texts showing their plans for a new life overseas — searching for info on “which countries extradite,” “Interpol wanted notices,” and “visa tricks.”
Askew was arrested flying in from Dubai on 4 January 2024. Hallows finally gave himself up on 2 May 2025 when he returned to the UK and was detained at the airport.
Life Behind Bars for Killer, Jail for Accomplice
Both denied involvement, but a jury found them guilty after a tense two-week trial in December 2025. At Sheffield Crown Court on 23 January, Hallows, 25, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 33 years for murder, robbery conspiracy, firearm offences, and attempted grievous bodily harm.
Askew, 23, was jailed for three years for assisting an offender.
The brutal murder of Kevin Pokuta has finally closed a dark chapter for Sheffield’s community.
