A boy was shot as his dad wrestled with a burglar at their home, a court has heard.
The lad, 11, was left with a 6in-wide wound on his shoulder, it was added. One of the four raiders is said to have earlier held the boy at knifepoint and threatened to kill him.[contfnewc] [contfnewc] [contfnewc] [contfnewc]
The lads mum was cut when a knife was put to her throat before she was dragged upstairs as the gang demanded valuables, the court heard. Prosecutor Claire Hebden said: “[The dad] has a gun licence and the shotguns are usually locked in a safe. He states he picked the gun up because he feared for his life.
“He and a man began fighting over the gun. His son rushed forward and the gun was discharged. He says the other man had his finger on the trigger.”
Barkingside magistrates court in East London heard Christopher Sargent, 26, of East Ham, posed as a delivery driver and with three others forced his way into the house in Upminster. Police said Antony Lascelles, 32, of Romford, fought with the boys dad over the gun.
Sargent and Lascelles are charged with aggravated burglary and possession of a knife.
Adian Muirhead, 32, of South Ockendon, is charged with assisting an offender by allegedly hiding a phone. The men are due to appear at Snaresbrook crown court in June.
The boys dad suffered a head wound. His young daughter was in her room during the May 1 burglary in which jewellery was taken.
