A GUNMAN from Solihull has been jailed for 32 years for attempted murder after chasing his terrified victim down a street before unleashing a flurry of gunshots.
Hayden Frost, aged 26, from Laburnum Avenue, was sentenced to 32 years in prison at Birmingham Crown Court.
He was convicted of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence during a trial which ended this week.
Frost left his home on the evening of September 9 last year dressed in dark clothing and carrying a man bag.
Jumping on his e-bike he travelled to the Marston Green Tavern, Marston Green, where his victim was out with friends.
Shortly after 11pm, Frost followed the man to the Iron Horse Pub, on the Flaxley Road, where he was caught on CCTV hiding in a bush and watching his movements as he socialised with friends.
The man decided to carry on with his celebrations at the nearby house of a friend and got in a car where he drove to Craneberry Road, Chelmsley Wood.
Frost pursued him on his e-bike and as he got out of his car, Frost went and hid in a nearby alleyway, where he watched the movements of his intended target.
In the early hours of September 10 and as the man separated from friends and walked to a nearby cashpoint, Frost emerged and chased him discharging multiple gunshots towards his head before fleeing on his e-bike.
The incident was captured on CCTV footage and ultimately led to Frost’s arrest and conviction.
His victim suffered a gunshot wound to the neck, with the bullet travelling down to his right shoulder where fragments of the bullet still remain.
As well as physical injuries he was also left with psychological scars including fearing being left on his own when out in public.
The motive for the attack remains a mystery.
Det Insp Francis Nock, from West Midlands Police Major Crime Team, said: “We will never know the motive for this senseless attack but maybe during the many years Frost will spend in prison he will reflect on his actions and we may eventually get to know the truth.
“Guns have no place on the streets of the West Midlands and this sentence sends out a clear message that people who do carry weapons and decide to use them will face many years behind bars.”
