Man jailed for shooting wife in head

A man who shot his wife in the back of the head while their young son was watching was sentenced to life in prison today, said police.

Jamie Dunne, 30, of Ian Mikardo Way, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, shot his wife Tracy in the head at their home on New Year's Day last year.

Mrs Dunne suffered serious head injuries.

Dunne was convicted of attempted murder after a trial at Reading Crown Court in June and was sentenced today, said Thames Valley Police.

He previously admitted possessing a shortened shotgun, criminal damage, possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and unlawful wounding.

Detective Constable Jim Howden, from Reading CID, said: "This was clearly a very serious and senseless act, carried out in front of a young child.

"The incident resulted in both serious physical injuries and long-term emotional trauma to Mrs Dunne.

"This sentence cannot undo the suffering caused by Mr Dunne to his wife over many years through his alcoholism and behaviour towards her.

"However, I hope she will now be able to start a new life with her son, knowing that justice has been done."