A gunman who used GPS tracking devices to stalk his victim before a point-blank range shooting in a Black Country car park has been sentenced to 32 years behind bars.
The Pre-Planned Attack
Leon Haughton, aged 34, was jailed last week after being found guilty of attempted murder for what police described as a "targeted, pre-planned attack". The incident occurred in a Dudley car park at approximately 1.20am on April 6 this year, where Haughton shot his victim at point-blank range.
Detective Inspector Francis Nock, from the major crime team, stated that it was only through "sheer luck" the victim was not killed in the violent assault.
Police Investigation Uncovered Stalking Methods
The West Midlands Police investigation revealed the sophisticated lengths Haughton went to in preparing his attack. Officers discovered he had physically attached GPS tracking devices to his victim's vehicle, using cable ties to secure them to the metalwork underneath the car.
Beyond simply tracking the man's movements, police uncovered that Haughton had conducted extensive research into his victim's life and routines. The investigation involved analysing substantial amounts of CCTV footage and mobile data, which allowed officers to trace Haughton's movements both before and after the violent incident.
Arrest and Sentencing
Armed officers apprehended Haughton eight days after the shooting on April 14, when he was spotted driving on Great Hampton Street in Wolverhampton. During his arrest, police made a chilling discovery in the boot of his vehicle: a loaded shotgun and 11 cartridges.
Haughton appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on November 5, where he received his 32-year prison sentence. He had previously pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and possessing a prohibited firearm.
Detective Inspector Nock emphasised the collaborative effort involved in the complex investigation, noting that different teams from across the force worked together to piece together the events. He added a stark warning to others: "They've got no place on our streets and we'll always work tirelessly to get justice."
