A GUNMAN who shot and critically injured a 15-year-old boy as he rode pillion on a motorbike has today been jailed.

Steven Thompson of Hewitt Avenue, Sunderland, was sentenced to 11 years and 10 months for grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a firearm and perverting the course of justice.

The 39-year-old pleaded guilty to the charges at a previous hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.

Officers were called to Hewitt Avenue on October 5 last year after reports a 15 year-old boy had been injured while travelling on a motorbike.

When the police arrived, he was found with a wound to his head caused by an air weapon, the court was told.

Detective Inspector Ed Small, who led the investigation said the boy was lucky to be alive, but admits his life has changed forever.

He said: “This has truly been an awful incident and Thompson’s actions have left this poor young man with severe life-changing injuries.

“He has been extremely brave throughout this investigation and he really is trying to get his life back. No 15 year-old should have their freedom or dignity taken away from them in this way.

“I also want to commend his family for their dignity and support throughout.”

He added: “It gives a stark warning the dangers of using any sort of air weapon irresponsibly and that devastating injuries they can cause.”

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said in a statement: “This was the day that my life changed forever. “Physically and mentally my life has changed beyond recognition, this will continue for the rest of my life.”

“Before that day I loved my life especially being outdoors and participating in outdoor activities especially swimming, cycling, walking and canoeing.

My family and I went on active holidays in the Lake District and Scotland. I was a full of life teenager and had a large group of friends. I always had fun with them.”

He added: “I don’t remember being shot or anything leading up to the incident, but I do remember waking up in intensive care and thinking I can’t move, the reality was that I couldn’t actually move.

“I couldn’t speak properly or even lift my head up. I had lost my dignity and I couldn’t even go to the toilet without assistance.”

He said: “After weeks of this I thought I was in a living nightmare and at times I wanted to die. I wasn’t myself anymore and I felt so depressed.

“I’m a 15 year old young lad with my whole life ahead of me. I used to be full of energy and life but now I feel weak all of the time. I feel anxious, scared and worried all of the time. “This leads to me being angry and frustrated I can’t do the things I want to and I will never be able to follow my dream of a career in construction.

“The person who did this has shown no remorse whatsoever. How can anyone do this to a child then leave them dying in the middle of a road and walk away?

“He then lied to the police which made it even harder for me to take. He even tried to get rid of the evidence. What kind of person never mind a father could do this? I want him to know that I nearly died. But he won’t be bothered about that. He is only concerned about himself.

“Despite all of the surgery, the pain and heartache I am better than that. I have the fight and determination to make my life better, and I will. He won’t make me feel like this forever. I just want to get back to being my old self. I will get there one day. I wish to also thank all of the doctors and nursing staff who have enabled me to get to this point in my life where I can now look forward to a better future.”