Menu
23/06/2008
Man Given Life For 'Wild West' Shooting
A man has been handed a life sentence for the murder of a woman killed in a "Wild West" style shoot out.
Magda Pniewska, 26, of Polish origin died from a bullet wound to the head close to her home in New Cross, south London in October last year.
Ms Pniewska, a nurse, had walked into the crossfire between two youths whilst on her way to her home, which she shared with her partner Radoslaw Lipka.
Armel Gnago, 18, has been told he must serve at least 20 years for the murder of Ms Pniewska, at St Albans Crown Court.
Presiding over the case, Mr Justice Cook told Gnango: "You plainly intended to kill the other and instead of either of you dying an innocent nursing assistant was killed instead."
Gnago was also given a minimum 12-year sentence for attempted murder and a five-year sentence for possession of a firearm - to run concurrently.
Another 17-year-old youth had been arrested but was released without charge as police had been unable to connect the second youth - named by Gnago - to the incident.
Prosecutor Brian Altman QC said during the case that Magda had not been the intended target.
He said that the shooting was "reminiscent of the Wild West" and that Magda had been the innocent victim of a gunfight between two young men who were "total strangers" to her.
Ms Pniewska's sister Elzbieta Luby, whom she had been speaking to on the phone, said that she heard three or four shots before hearing her sister die.
It is understood that Gnago had not fired the fatal round. Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) lawyer Jane Schofield said that he bore "a joint criminal liability for her death".
See: Trial Hears Polish Woman Was Killed In Shoot-Out
(DS)
Magda Pniewska, 26, of Polish origin died from a bullet wound to the head close to her home in New Cross, south London in October last year.
Ms Pniewska, a nurse, had walked into the crossfire between two youths whilst on her way to her home, which she shared with her partner Radoslaw Lipka.
Armel Gnago, 18, has been told he must serve at least 20 years for the murder of Ms Pniewska, at St Albans Crown Court.
Presiding over the case, Mr Justice Cook told Gnango: "You plainly intended to kill the other and instead of either of you dying an innocent nursing assistant was killed instead."
Gnago was also given a minimum 12-year sentence for attempted murder and a five-year sentence for possession of a firearm - to run concurrently.
Another 17-year-old youth had been arrested but was released without charge as police had been unable to connect the second youth - named by Gnago - to the incident.
Prosecutor Brian Altman QC said during the case that Magda had not been the intended target.
He said that the shooting was "reminiscent of the Wild West" and that Magda had been the innocent victim of a gunfight between two young men who were "total strangers" to her.
Ms Pniewska's sister Elzbieta Luby, whom she had been speaking to on the phone, said that she heard three or four shots before hearing her sister die.
It is understood that Gnago had not fired the fatal round. Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) lawyer Jane Schofield said that he bore "a joint criminal liability for her death".
See: Trial Hears Polish Woman Was Killed In Shoot-Out
(DS)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 May 2008
Jury Out On 'Wild West' Shooting
The jury is out to consider its verdict in the trial of a teenager accused of killing a young woman in a 'Wild West ' style shoot out. The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, denies murdering 26-year-old nursing assistant Magda Pniewska, in New Cross, south London, last October.
Jury Out On 'Wild West' Shooting
The jury is out to consider its verdict in the trial of a teenager accused of killing a young woman in a 'Wild West ' style shoot out. The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, denies murdering 26-year-old nursing assistant Magda Pniewska, in New Cross, south London, last October.
03 October 2007
Woman 'Killed In Crossfire'
A woman who was shot dead in south London is believed to have been caught in the crossfire between two gunmen, police have revealed. Magda Pniewska, 26, a Polish national, was found in a street in John Williams Close in New Cross shortly before half six on Tuesday evening.
Woman 'Killed In Crossfire'
A woman who was shot dead in south London is believed to have been caught in the crossfire between two gunmen, police have revealed. Magda Pniewska, 26, a Polish national, was found in a street in John Williams Close in New Cross shortly before half six on Tuesday evening.
04 June 2015
Man Charged With Attempted Murder
A man has been charged with attempted murder following an incident in Faversham at the weekend. Kent Police confirmed Lincoln Payne, of no fixed abode, had been charged with robbery, theft and two counts of attempted murder following an incident in Fostall Avenue on Saturday, 30 May.
Man Charged With Attempted Murder
A man has been charged with attempted murder following an incident in Faversham at the weekend. Kent Police confirmed Lincoln Payne, of no fixed abode, had been charged with robbery, theft and two counts of attempted murder following an incident in Fostall Avenue on Saturday, 30 May.
28 November 2014
Surrey Murder Suspect Arrested
Police have arrested 38-year-old Viktoras Bruzas on suspicion of murdering a couple in Surrey. The bodies of Patrick and Gillian Kettyle were found at their home in Fetcham in the early hours of Thursday morning. Police had issued an appeal for help in tracing Mr Bruzas in connection with the murders, and had urged the public not to approach him.
Surrey Murder Suspect Arrested
Police have arrested 38-year-old Viktoras Bruzas on suspicion of murdering a couple in Surrey. The bodies of Patrick and Gillian Kettyle were found at their home in Fetcham in the early hours of Thursday morning. Police had issued an appeal for help in tracing Mr Bruzas in connection with the murders, and had urged the public not to approach him.
15 October 2013
Double Murder Investigation Underway After Bodies Found In Garden
The discovery of human remains at a house in Nottinghamshire has become a double murder investigation, police have said. Police were speaking on Monday about the discovery on October 10 of the remains of two bodies in the garden of a house in Blenheim Close, Forest Town, Nottinghamshire. Police say they were led to the property by a tip.
Double Murder Investigation Underway After Bodies Found In Garden
The discovery of human remains at a house in Nottinghamshire has become a double murder investigation, police have said. Police were speaking on Monday about the discovery on October 10 of the remains of two bodies in the garden of a house in Blenheim Close, Forest Town, Nottinghamshire. Police say they were led to the property by a tip.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Another cloudy and mild night with the odd spot of light drizzle. More widespread outbreaks of rain will spread southeast into western parts of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Derry late in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
