By Scunthorpe thug jailed after firing gun during police chase
A Scunthorpe thug has been jailed after firing a gun during a police chase.
Jamie Burke, 30, was being pursued by undercover Humberside Police officers in the town in July of 2021 when he opened fire with a handgun.
The 30-year-old was cleared of the attempted murder of a police officer in February.
Burke was found guilty of possessing a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited firearm.
According to the BBC, Burke was spotted “acting suspiciously” near the Normanby Road area.
PC Zak Meadows left his unmarked police car whilst wearing plain-clothes after spotting the perpetrator.
A court hearing saw video footage taken from PC Meadows’ body camera which showed Burke brandish a firearm from a bag and fired a shot.
Upon further investigations, firearms experts deemed the weapon to be fully functional with five live rounds still in the chamber, the trial jury heard.
During Burke’s sentencing, Judge Thackray QC said although the 30-year-old had been acquitted of attempted murder, he was satisfied that “the defendant intended to shoot the officer,” adding:
“The defendant was clearly carrying a lethal and loaded firearm with the intention of using it on that day.”
“It was only good fortune the bullet discharged missed the officer.”
The court heard that the shooting had left PC Meadows suffering from panic attacks and requiring counselling.
“The incident will stay with him for the rest of his life,” Judge Thackray said
“It is unlikely he will ever recover from the psychological effects.”
Subsequently, the Judge handed Burke a five-year extended license on top of a 17-year prison sentence after labelling him a “risk to the public.”
