Finchampstead Man Shot Rival 3 Times

A 22 year-old from a travellers' site in Finchampstead has been found guilty of attempted murder.

Thomas Stevens from the Pine Ridge park site, Nine Mile Ride has also been found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, after he shot another man three times.

It followed an argument between rival travellers’ families at Thomas Stevens' Caravan site.

On 11 September 2009, Stevens confronted Cole with a handgun and fired several times at 32 year old John Cole from the adjoining New Acres' site, hitting him three times – once each in the face, shoulder and forearm.

Detective Inspector Dave Hubbard of the Major crime team, who investigated the incident, said:

“We are delighted that Stevens, a dangerous man who was prepared to use an illegal firearm against the victim, has been successfully convicted.

“Only professional medical intervention prevented the victim’s death and he remains extremely lucky to be alive. He and his family are very pleased with the verdict and thankful their ordeal is over.

“Our communities can be reassured that gun crime will not be tolerated by Thames Valley Police and that by working together, as in this case, justice will prevail.”

Thomas Stevens will find out his sentence next month.