Drug dealer jailed for 11 years
A drug dealer who organised shots to be fired at a house has been jailed for 11 years.
Declan Madigan, of Winthorpe Road, Newark, was convicted of possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and for using another person to hide a firearm.
The 28-year-old was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court today (Thursday, October 31) after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.
At around 9pm on Sunday November 28, 2011 shots were fired at a house in Watford Road, Aspley.
The house was empty at the time but the shots were fired through a first floor window where a light had been left on.
The shooter fled the scene on a motor scooter. Madigan then persuaded a friend to look after the shotgun.
Investigation work linked a cartridge recovered from the scene to a shotgun that was discovered under the bed of a house in Broad Eadow Road.
DNA and further intelligence work led detectives to Madigan. A quantity of drugs were also discovered at his home. He was arrested.
The court heard the shots were fired following an argument around Madigan’s drug dealing. They were designed to maximise the level of intimidation inflicted on the intended target, who Madigan felt had wronged him.
Detective Inspector Lee Young, of Operation Vanguard, said: “This was a very serious crime which served to terrify the victim.
"Although the house was empty Madigan could not have known that.
"His actions were reckless and spared no thought for any bystanders who may have been in the location around this time.
“At no point is there any justification for arming yourself with a gun and the criminal justice system comes down hard on anyone who does.
“Despite the web of lies Madigan weaved following the incident there was no doubt of his involvement in this shooting nor his involvement in drug dealing.
"I am pleased this has resulted in him now serving a considerable amount of time behind bars."
The presiding judge has commended the officers and staff involved in the investigation.
