Jury hears how shotgun pellets peppered Connor Brookes van and riddled the surrounding area

Connor Brookes died on July 8, last year, after being hit by a shotgun discharged from the rear window of a passing Ford Focus. 

The 20-year-old had been sitting in his van with Bradley Sladyszyn on Well Lane, Blakenall, at 5pm when Julian Falconer Jake Sanbrook and Byron Sellick allegedly murdered him.

Such was the power of the gun, as the majority of the power and projectiles were directed at Connor he died from a head wound. Forensic inspection of Well Lane revealed fences, panels and vehicles near Connor's van were peppered with shotgun pellets.

The jury heard unlike pistols and revolvers, which use single bullet ammunition, a shotgun uses a cartridge packed full of pellets. Sawn-off shotguns make them easier to carry and conceal but mean they become harder to hit a target and creates a more scattergun effect.

The jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court were shown the gun and pictures of the damage caused by the shotgun.

Prosecutor  Prosecutor Michael Burrows KC said: "The pellets had gone through the window of the van and through the other side. They can be seen in a fibre glass panel.

"Discharging a weapon like this in a residential setting is highly dangerous and irresponsible."

He added: "Everyone in the car knew there was a gun. There had been a firearms incident earlier that afternoon. So there could be no doubt in anyone's minds there was a gun."

Julian Falconer, 20, Jake Sanbrook, 23, and Byron Sellick, 20, are on trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court for murdering 20-year-old Connor on July 8 last year and the attempted murder of his friend Bradley Sladyszyn.

Falconer, of Wyrley Close, Willenhall; Sanbrook, of Fisher Road, Bloxwich and Sellick, of no fixed abode,  are also charged with possessing a shotgun with intent to endanger life.

Samuel Danks-Petty, 20, of Buildwas Close, Walsall is accused of intent to pervert the course of justice. 

All four deny all charges. The trial continues.