'Execution squad led by man in wheelchair'

AN 'execution squad' led by a man in a wheelchair shot two men after cornering them in a pub car park, a jury was told yesterday.

One victim was shot in the chest but managed to escape. The other was hit in the back as he tried to get away and was then shot in the neck and through the mouth.

The first shot was fired by Paul Flannery, who is paralysed from the waist down and wheelchair- bound, Manchester Crown Court was told. It hit Tony McKie, who escaped to a nearby house.

But then brothers Desmond, Derek and Damian Noonan, and Michael Sharples, joined in the attack which killed Tony Johnson, 22, the court was told.

Michael Shorrock QC, for the prosecution, said the two victims were attacked after they drove into the car park of the Penny Black pub in Cheetham, Manchester.

The exit was blocked by a taxi, and Desmond Noonan approached the men and asked if they were carrying guns. Mr Flannery then allegedly shot Mr McKie from the front passenger seat of the taxi, but despite his wound he managed to run away.

Mr Johnson was shot in the back as he tried to vault a wall. Someone shouted: 'Finish him off,' and two shots were fired.

The five men deny murder and attempted murder.

The trial continues today.