Two Men Jailed Over Shocking Shooting and Vandalism Spree
Thomas Connors, 24, from Edgware, Middlesex, was slammed with nine-and-a-half years behind bars. Thomas Saunders, from Rayleigh, got seven years. Both were sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on 31 March after a terrifying shotgun attack in 2020.
Midnight Gunshots Wake Victim
On 9 September 2020, a man in Hovefields Avenue was jolted awake by gunfire. When he answered the door, he clashed verbally with Saunders. Moments later, the victim discovered his living room window smashed. A caravan and car on the property also had broken windows.
Police Snatch Stolen Firearms
Next day, cops raided Saunders’ home and found a shotgun plus two other guns hidden nearby in the woods. The shotgun was stolen during an earlier break-in in Layer-de-la-Haye. Forensic tests linked both Saunders and Connors to the crime scene after analysing a suspect vehicle.
Chase Ends With Arrests and Tough Sentences
On 19 October 2020, police caught Saunders and Connors after a short car chase in Twickenham High Street. Connors was driving on a provisional licence. They were charged and, following a trial, both were found guilty.
“The court has jailed both men for substantial periods of time, which shows how seriously they view these offences,” said Detective Sergeant Steve Robson of Essex Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit.
“This is a fantastic result. Not only have we taken two dangerous offenders and three firearms off our streets, it proves no one is above the law.”
“We don’t tolerate criminals who use guns, even when no one is hurt. That’s why we worked hard to bring Connors and Saunders to justice. The firearms will be destroyed.”
Details of the Sentences
- Connors: Nine years and six months total. Seven years for encouraging offences, one year concurrent for criminal damage, and six months consecutive for dangerous driving. Disqualified from driving for two years post-release with an extended driving test. Also received additional sentences totalling four years for unrelated burglaries.
- Saunders: Seven years total. Seven years for possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, plus one year concurrent for criminal damage.
