A father and his half-brother flew into a "impulsive rage" and blasted a man with a shotgun outside Basildon Hospital after hearing his baby had been dropped on its head, a court heard.
Keith Hayhow, 39, and Shay Backhurst, 21, were today starting lengthy prison sentences following the shooting last January.
Chelmsford Crown Court heard Hayhow's ex-girlfriend Shelly Bell and a group of friends and children had gone to get amphetamine drugs on January 13.
In the group was Jason Riggs, 31, of Billericay, carrying her baby Sunny. He slipped and dropped the baby on its head.
The baby was taken to Basildon Hospital. When Hayhow and Backhurst heard of the accident they drove to the hospital.
Following an angry exchange with Mr Riggs inside A&E, the brothers returned to their car. As they drove past the hospital entrance where Mr Riggs was standing, Backhurst fired a single shot with a sawn-off shotgun.
Mr Riggs was hit in his shoulder and chest.
Judge Ball sentenced Hayhow, of Winstree, Basildon, to nine years for wounding with intent.
Backhurst, of The Mallions, Basildon, was given six years for the shooting, and a further 12 months for possessing an illegal firearm.
Published Wednesday January 7, 2004
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