A 21-YEAR-OLD man who was found guilty of the cold-blooded machine gun killing three men at a house in Bishop’s Stortford has been sentenced to a minimum 35 years in prison.

A senior police officer said the sentencing of Kevan Thakrar, 21, brought to an end “one of the most horrific crimes” that he had ever dealt with.

Kevan, of Lomond Way, in Stevenage, and his brother, Miran, 24, were both convicted of murdering Keith Cowell and his son Matthew, 17, and Tony Dulieu, 33, at the Cowells family home in Plaw Hatch Close in August last year.

Both brothers were also found guilty of two counts of attempted murder and a firearms offence.

Miran, of no fixed abode, had earlier been told he would serve a minimum of 42 years in prison when he received three life sentences for murder and 15 years for the other offences to run concurrently.

Three other people have also been sentenced for their part in the case which stunned the local community.

Detective Chief Inspector Mick Hanlon, from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit – who led the investigation – said: “This brings conclusion to one of the most horrific crimes I have ever dealt with. I am pleased with the sentence given to Kevan, it clearly reflects the seriousness of the cold blooded crimes he and his brother Miran committed that night.

“I would again like to extend my sympathies to the families of the victims and I hope that the sentence brings them some comfort. I would again also like to extend my thanks to the highly-skilled team of detectives, police staff, forensic teams and the witnesses involved in the case.”

Chief Superintendent Al Thomas, Eastern Area Commander, said: “I will continue to work with police officers, staff and partners to reassure the local and wider communities that Bishop’s Stortford remains an extremely safe place to live in, work and visit.

“From early on we said that this was a specific and targeted attack. I am confident the convictions and long sentences will bring some closure, and allow people to concentrate on the positive aspects of the Bishop’s Stortford and local area.”