A GUNMAN who shot an ice cream parlour boss at point blank range, hospitalising him for two months, has been jailed for 24 years.

Temidire Owolabi, 22, of Brandon Close, Chafford Hundred, was sentenced at the Old Bailey yesterday after being convicted of the attempted murder of James Bryant, 24, at Cakes & Shakes in High Road, Woodford Green on November 14 last year.

He was also found guilty of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Owolabi was cleared of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life in relation to an incident two days earlier, in which the windows of Cakes & Shakes were blown out with a shotgun.

Both Owolabi and another man, Romain Arthur, 23, of Hazel Way, Chingford, were cleared of conspiracy to murder after two juries failed to reach verdicts.

Arthur was convicted of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply and sentenced to three years in prison.

Detective Chief Inspector Kenny McDonald, senior investigating officer from Trident, said: "The shop is on a busy high street and often frequented by children.

"With no regard for the safety of anyone in the premises, Owolabi burst through the door, raised his gun and fired it, shooting the victim twice.

"The victim is lucky to be alive. It was only by chance that no one else was hurt or seriously wounded.

"To have such complete disregard for human life is deplorable and I hope Owolabi will spend many years in prison contemplating the consequences of his actions.

"This attempted murder was the result of a minor disagreement between the victim and Romain Arthur.

"Law-abiding citizens in our communities resolve such disagreements without violence. The communities we serve will be a much safer place as a result of today's verdict."