Peter Guy, 54, has been found guilty of manslaughter after shooting Jonathan Smith, 38, outside his home in Melton Old Road, Melton, on May 20. Here, the police officer who led the investigation praises a woman who rushed to help the dying victim.
THE detective who led the investigation into the shooting of Jonathan Smith has praised the "selfless" actions of a woman who tried to save his life.
Susan Platten and her 18-year-old son Macaulay raced to the scene after hearing two gunshots fired from her next door neighbour's bungalow.
Without a second thought for herself, she climbed into the truck where Mr Smith lay dying and desperately tried to stop the bleeding.
Macaulay calmed Mr Smith's son, 15-year-old Jonathon Smith Jr, while the emergency services raced to the scene.
Detective Chief Inspector Wendy North said: "There is no question it was a difficult scene for those who tried to save Mr Smith's life.
"I never cease to be amazed by some members of the public who come to the assistance of those who need it.
"Susan Platten, despite not knowing herself what the situation entailed and, having heard what she thought sounded like gunshots, selflessly went to the need of her neighbour to see if she was OK and to try to save Mr Smith."
Ms Platten tried to stem the flow of blood by using a towel.
She also comforted Jonathon Jr, who had seen his dad lying lifeless in the drivers seat of the truck.
All emergency services were deployed, including specialist armed police officers.
In the immediate aftermath and, while Guy sat in his kitchen with police officers, three vans of Mr Smith's family arrived at the scene, desperate to find out what had happened.
Det Chief Insp North said: "An incident like this is obviously very rare, so it would have brought huge shock to the usually quiet, residential area of Melton.
"I would really like to thank the residents of Melton for their patience and co-operation during the immediate response and also to those witnesses who came forward afterwards.
"I am sure it was disturbing for them to know that had happened in their neighbourhood but thankfully it is extremely rare."
Although Guy was charged with murder, Det Chief Insp North said the manslaughter verdict mean he will have to "face the consequences of his actions".
She said: "When a firearm is discharged there is always the possibility, if not the intention, that someone can be seriously injured or fatally wounded.
"Peter Guy will now have to face the consequences of his actions which resulted in the death of Jonathan Smith.
"His death and the violent exchanges on that day shocked the local community and brought much media attention to the normally peaceful, residential area of Melton."
The shooting was classed as a major incident and all emergency services, including armed police officers, were sent to the bungalow.
Following the initial 999 call from Jane Herring to the police, officers did not know if there was a wider risk to the public.
Det Chief Insp North said: "It was quite a confused call from a distressed individual, so the first priority for us was to try to establish what has happened.
"It became apparent very quickly this was a very serious incident that was ongoing so the most important response was to include an element of assessing the risk to the public and to saving lives at the scene.
"The priority is always to protect the public and to get the situation under control very quickly, which is exactly what happened."
