Trio convicted of drive-by murder in 'revenge' attack

RELATIVES of a murder victim executed in a brutal "revenge" drive-by shooting have made an emotional plea for violence in the West Midlands to come to an end.

- ANNABAL BAGDI News Reporter

Connor Brookes and his friend Bradley Sladyszyn were sitting in a parked van when shots were fired at them in what prosecutors said was retaliation for the murder of Bailey Atkinson.

Mr Brookes was shot in the head, while Mr Sladyszyn was shot in his left shoulder.

Medics performed an operation at the scene in a desperate attempt to save Mr Brookes' life after he was found "slumped" against the window of the van. But the 20-year-old died from the wound to his head, caused by a "slug of metal" from the shotgun which passed through his brain.

Mr Sladyszyn survived the attempt on his life, later recalling how he ducked after hearing a "loud bang"

Friends of Mr Atkinson were said to be behind the murder in Well Lane, Walsall, on July 8 last year.