A gunman who was armed during a chase by police “intentionally shot” the officer he was following, according to a judge as he sentenced him for 17 year.
Jamie Burke (30), fired the weapon as an undercover officer pursued him in Scunthorpe, July 2021.
After a trial, he was found not guilty of attempted murder. Judge John Thackray QC however stated that he had “clearly” purchased the gun with the intent of using it.
Burke, who has no fixed address, was sentenced by Hull Crown Court Friday.
Burke was convicted of possessing ammunition and a firearm with intent to endanger lives after a February trial. Burke also pleaded guilty for possessing a prohibited weapon.
He was allegedly acting suspiciously in Normanby Road, according to the jury.
PC Zak Meadows was on plain-clothes patrol and driving an unmarked vehicle. He got out of the car and chased Burke.
PC Meadows’ bodycam footage showed that Burke pulled out a gun from a bag during the pursuit and fired one shot.
The trial jury was informed that five live ammunition were still inside the chamber by experts in firearms.
Judge John Thackray QC passed sentence at Hull Crown Court. He stated that Burke was acquitted of the charge for attempted murder and that he believed that the defendant intended to shoot the officer.
He said, “The defendant was clearly carrying an lethal and loaded firearm with intent of using it that day.”
“It was only a good fortune that the bullet discharged did not reach the officer.”
The court was informed that PC Meadows had suffered panic attacks after the shooting and required counselling.
Judge Thackray stated that the incident would “stay with him for his whole life.”
“It’s unlikely that he will ever be able to recover from the psychological effects.”
Burke was described by the judge as a danger to the public. He was sentenced to a five-year extended license in addition.
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