Teenager shot 11-year-old in face while trying to kill rival

Police say victim lucky to have survived shooting where boy playing in park was also injured

Joshan Addison, 19, got 26 years. He was found by police hiding under his bed (Met Police)

A teenager who shot a rival at close range and injured an 11-year-old boy in the process has been sentenced to 26 years.

Joshan Addison, 19, shot Rhys Bryan, 22, twice in the back with a shotgun after receiving a delivery of the firearm along with twelve cartridges.

A jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court found Addison guilty of attempted murder, wounding with intent, and possession of a firearm on Friday.

Mr Bryan was airlifted to Royal London Hospital after his internal organs were badly damaged.

The boy who had been playing with his family in a nearby park was injured on the cheek.

Addison was found hiding under his bed when he was arrested at his home in October, according to the Ilford Recorder. He told the police they were “mugs”.

Detective Constable Marcus Snook of the Met's Trident and Area Command said: “This shooting was a shocking act of violence and cowardice; planned and committed against an unsuspecting and unarmed victim.

“The fact that injuries sustained did not prove to be fatal was sheer luck rather than judgement. This case clearly highlights the issue of young men using extreme violence to resolve issues or gain status within their group.”

Ali Sheikh, 23, and an unnamed 17-year-old were sentenced to training orders after being found guilty of assisting Addison after the shooting.

Mohammad Jabir, 22, pleaded guilty to assisting Addison and was sentenced to one year eight months imprisonment.

Addison and Jabir gave “elaborate and conflicting account of their involvement in the offence”, according to the Metropolitan police.

Police say the victim approached the four men at Loxford Lane in Ilford, east London, on the afternoon of 8 August 2016.

After the shooting, Addison escaped on foot through Loxford Park, while the three others escaped in nearby cars.

The group disposed of Addison’s clothes, shotgun and the two cars used to make the escape.