A man who shot two of his former neighbours has been jailed for 16 and a half years.

Francis O’Donoghue, from Wood Green, injured two men during a dispute on a travellers' site off Goatswood Lane in Navestock at around 3.30pm on August 27.

Following a six-week manhunt, the gunman was arrested in north London on October 11.

The 27-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of causing grevious bodily harm with intent and one count of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Speaking after the sentencing at Woolwich Crown Court yesterday, investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Morris, said: "It is by pure chance that the shots fired did not result in fatal injuries and this was not a double murder investigation.

“The significant prison sentence he has received today reflects the severity of his offending.

“During the course of the investigation, Francis O’Donoghue never showed any remorse for his actions, nor has he assisted us with the location of the illegal weapon.

“Instead he went on the run for six weeks and cost substantial police time and resources in locating him.

“I would like to thank those witnesses who had the strength and courage to come forward during this enquiry and I hope that his victims can put this matter behind them, now that they have made a full recovery.”

Francis O’Donaghue was ordered to serve at least half the prison sentence, with the remainder on licence.