Gunman admits attempted murder in Wolverhampton

A gunman who tried to kill his victim by shooting him at close range near a Wolverhampton park is today behind bars, just six weeks after the violent attack.

Kieran Thomas admitted to a court that he had committed attempted murder when he fired the shotgun at his victim in the early hours of Tuesday, 26 August, outside Phoenix Park in Dudley Road.

Despite having significant injuries to his body and left arm, Thomas' intended target managed to stumble to a nearby address and the alarm was raised.

Emergency first aid was carried out by our specially-trained firearms officers and ambulance crew before the victim was taken to hospital where he was treated and thankfully was able to recover.

Investigators reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage as they pieced together the events of that night which had started earlier with a dispute between a number of people, who Thomas knew.

He was quickly identified as a suspect and firearms officers carried out a warrant at an address in Wolverhampton but Thomas fled. He tried to escape over fences and into neighbouring gardens but was soon detained.

On searching the gardens, a balaclava was recovered along with a glove, both of which contained a shotgun cartridge. A further 27 cartridges were also seized from the address.

When he appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Tuesday (7 Oct), Thomas pleaded guilty to attempted murder and possessing a firearm with intent.

The 27-year-old, of Elizabeth Avenue, Wolverhampton, was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 21 November.

Det Insp Francis Nock, from the Major Crime Team, said: "Within 11 days we'd analysed a large amount of CCTV footage and alongside mobile phone data we were able to identify Thomas as the suspected gunman.

"The evidence against him was supported by the recovery of shotgun cartridges which resulted in him pleading to the charges and being convicted six weeks after he carried out the attack.

"Firearms have no place on our streets or in our communities and we will always work tirelessly to bring criminals who believe it is acceptable to use these weapons and cause harm to others, to justice."

Under Operation Target, we work 24/7 to identity, disrupt and arrest those involved in serious and organised crime in the West Midlands.

Investigators work alongside neighbourhood officers to build a clear picture of those involved in guns, drugs, money launder and exploitation.

Find out more here: Operation Target | West Midlands Police