Man shot in the head 100 times
Kevin King today stands accused of masterminding the shooting of Mark Walsh, who survived the alleyway ambush, but was left with long-term hearing loss.
Walsh was fired at from a range of between five and 15 metres when he was confronted by a ski-mask-wearing gunman close to his home.
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Hide AdThree men, including King, are standing trial for conspiracy to murder with two of the defendants also facing attempted murder charges at Preston Crown Court.
Opening the trial, Michael Shorrock QC, prosecuting, told the court there was a history of bad blood between King, 30, of Lodge Lane, Lytham, and Mark Walsh, 35, after King’s ex-partner moved in with Walsh following their separation in 2012.
After making telephone threats to shoot his ex-partner and Walsh in 2012, King was made the subject of a two-year order.
But shortly before one hearing it is alleged he arranged for his best friend Donovan Wallace, 26, of Lodge Lane, Lytham, and another man, Jack Wilding, 20, of no fixed address, to carry out the threat.
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Hide AdThe court heard shortly before 9pm on January 12 Mr Walsh heard a banging noise on his back gate which set his dogs off barking.
He went to investigate but was confronted by a man wearing a ski mask and carrying a gun.
As he turned to flee, the gunman opened fire and Mr Walsh was showered with pellets, causing him to fall to the ground, the court heard.
The next thing he recalls is waking up in Royal Preston Hospital.
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Hide AdShotgun residue was found on a red hoodie belonging to Wilding and a pair of gloves with Wallace’s DNA on them were found in the cab of Wallace’s lorry during the course of the investigation.
During police enquiries which led to the arrests of King, Wallace and Wilding, covert recordings were taken from King’s lorry.
In a conversation with another man, he is heard to say: “I said I’d do it, didn’t I?
“Well next time, you know what I mean mate, it will be me pulling that trigger and it will be a double barrel, not a single.”
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Hide AdWhen asked by the other man what had prompted the attack, King replied: “A court case.”
The prosecution allege King planned the shooting and made sure he was away from the scene at the time Wilding and Wallace carried out the attack in Maudsley Street, Accrington.
All three men are charged with conspiracy to murder.
Wallace and Wilding are charged with attempted murder.
They deny all the charges.
(Proceeding)