Our Mutual Friend shooting: 22 years for attempted murderer

Liam Campbell, 26, of Rockingham Way, Stevenage, was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court today (Friday, February 16), after being found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a firearm and ammunition. He also pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm.

Charlie Kettle, 25, of Pembridge Gardens, Stevenage, was also jailed for eight years and six months having been found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Campbell will be on licence for a further two years and six months at the end of the 22-year sentence, while Kettle will have a 12-month licence.

The court found that Campbell had been involved in a row with two brothers at Our Mutual Friend in Broadwater Crescent on New Year's Eve in 2022.

Our Mutual Friend in Stevenage. (Image: Google Maps)

Shouting and swearing was heard before the 26-year-old picked up two glasses and threw them towards the brothers. One of them hit the sister of the victims, knocking her out and causing a cut to the back of her head.

Later that night, there was a second confrontation, in which Campbell fired a converted blank firing pistol twice at the men, with Kettle shouting: "Shoot it. Shoot it or let it off."

Campbell and Kettle fled the scene and the gun was never found. Campbell was arrested at an address in Welwyn Garden City on January 15, and Kettle in Suffolk on January 18.

Liam Campbell. (Image: Herts police)

The 26-year-old made no comment to police questions, while Kettle gave a prepared statement in which he said the brothers "were looking for trouble and had weapons".

Minka Braun, defending, said Campbell had "made a series of poor decisions in a short time period", and that he "had been drinking and had a lack of maturity".

In a letter to the judge he apologised for what he had done and showed remorse for his crime.

Andrew Corcut, defending Kettle, said he played a lesser role in the offence and "was not holding the firearm. His role was to act by means of encouragement only".

Charlie Kettle. (Image: Herts police)

Judge Lana Wood told Campbell: "This shooting was premeditated. There was a point when you decided to get a gun. No harm, fortunately, was caused."

Following their conviction, Detective Constable Chris Jones said: "We will not tolerate the carrying and use of unlicensed firearms in this town.

"Luckily no one was injured as a result of this incident, but there was a clear intent to cause harm and in a public place on one of the busiest times of the year, where local residents were celebrating New Year’s Eve.

"I hope this sends a very clear message to those whose lifestyle involves the carrying and use of weapons, that you are not welcome in Stevenage, and we will do everything we can to make sure we keep you off our streets."