Masked lockdown gunman spared extended jail sentence – Mark McKone defends

Masked lockdown gunman spared extended jail sentence – Mark McKone defends

A masked man who tried to fire a shotgun at a house in an attempt to scare his intended victim has been jailed at Bradford Crown Court.
John Semeniuk had pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence in May.
Semeniuk had travelled to Halifax from Keighley with the loaded weapon, gloves and a balaclava. He aimed the weapon at the victims first floor window – but the gun jammed alerting the occupier who called the Police.
Semeniuk was sentenced to 6 years in jail.
Mark McKone was defence counsel and he told the court his client’s intention had been to “frighten rather than to injure”. Mr McKone persuaded the Judge not to impose an extended sentence.
For media coverage of the case please click here :  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-53156334
Mark McKone is a senior barrister in our criminal who is ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.