Man jailed for 15 years over drive-by shooting at Northampton pub

A shooter who fired a shotgun through the windows and doors of a Northampton pub while customers sat inside has been locked up for 15 years.

Samuel Cox was involved in the attack against the former King David pub in Newnham Road in January 2018.

The 23-year-old - who was 20 at the time - was convicted of conspiracy of conspiracy to wound after a shotgun was fired multiple times at the venue while innocent customers were inside enjoying drinks.

The escape vehicle, a Fiat 500, was then set on fire.

Cox was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court last week after a jury found him guilty of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm, possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, arson, and perverting the course of public justice.

Cox was given a prison sentences totalling 36 years, some of which were to run concurrently which will result in a stay of 15 years in prison.

Lead Investigator, DC Gareth Askew, from Northamptonshire Police's Serious & Organised Crime Team, said: “This was a complex and lengthy investigation that I am really pleased has resulted in this hefty sentence.

“This incident involved the firing of a gun into a crowded pub which was an exceptionally dangerous and reckless thing to do.

“Protecting the public is of paramount importance to us so I hope the work that has gone into this investigation in order to bring the offender to justice reassures people that Northamptonshire Police has zero-tolerance towards such unashamed displays of violence.

“I am glad that Cox has been brought to justice with a substantial prison sentence.”

Following the sentence, His Honour Judge Herbert commended DC Askew for his good work and thorough investigation into this incident on behalf of Northamptonshire Police.

The King David Pub closed in 2018 and is currently set to be converted into a block of apartments. The closure came just 11 months after it opened following renovations.