Gunman Jailed For 32 Years Over Shotgun Attack

Leon Haughton has been jailed for 32 years after shooting a man at point-blank range during a premeditated attack in a Dudley car park.

The 34-year-old, from Wolverhampton, was convicted of attempted murder after a jury heard how he had stalked and tracked his victim before the 1.20am shooting on 6 April.

The victim, a man in his 20s, was rushed to hospital after suffering a gunshot wound, arriving at around 1.45am. Police were alerted immediately, triggering an extensive investigation by West Midlands Police’s Major Crime Team.

Detectives analysed CCTV footage from across the area, tracing Haughton’s movements both before and after the attack. The footage showed him fleeing the scene, running towards his car and driving away moments after discharging the weapon.

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Armed officers later spotted Haughton driving along Great Hampton Street, Wolverhampton, on 14 April. He was arrested at the scene.

A search of his vehicle uncovered a loaded shortened shotgun hidden in the boot, with eleven cartridges found alongside it. Ballistic tests confirmed the firearm was viable, and police later established it had been stolen during a burglary in West Mercia in 2023.

Forensic and digital analysis revealed the full extent of Haughton’s planning. Investigators discovered that he had fixed GPS tracking devices to the underside of the victim’s car using cable ties, allowing him to monitor the man’s movements.

He had also conducted extensive online research into the victim, compiling information and planning the attack with precision.

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The evidence left little doubt as to the deliberate and targeted nature of the shooting.

Haughton had already admitted possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of a prohibited firearm. Following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, he was found guilty of attempted murder on 10 October.