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.

He returned to the same court on 5 November, where he was sentenced to 32 years’ imprisonment.

Detective Inspector Francis Nock, who led the investigation, described the attack as a “targeted, pre-planned” act of violence that could easily have been fatal. He praised the detailed and coordinated work of detectives, surveillance teams, and forensic officers in bringing Haughton to justice.

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DI Nock said police teams “analysed a large amount of CCTV footage as well as mobile data” to establish Haughton’s movements and the depth of his research into the victim.

Under Operation Target, the force continues to prioritise the identification, disruption and arrest of individuals involved in serious and organised crime across the West Midlands, including offences involving firearms, drugs, money laundering and exploitation.

Haughton remains in custody to serve his 32-year term, following one of the region’s most detailed investigations into a single attempted murder case in recent years.