Detective fires warning to those involved in gun crime as man involved in Sheffield murder gets 33 years
A senior police officer has said the force “will not rest” until those responsible for gun violence are prosecuted.
The warning came just moments after a Sheffield man was handed a life sentence for the “mistaken identity” murder of a teenage dad.
Kevin Pokuta, aged 19, was shot in the head as part of a plot by a group to enact revenge on individuals they believed were responsible for thwarting their attempt to rob a cannabis factory earlier that evening.
Kevin’s younger brother, Dominik - who was just 17 at the time of the fatal shooting in December 2023 - was the driver of the vehicle the two brothers were sat in, as it was parked in Page Hall Road, Page Hall.
Dominik attempted to drive off when he saw the gunman, Jake Brown, holding a firearm in his hand, but Brown continued to fire, and the final of the four bullets discharged hit Kevin in the back of the head, killing him instantly.
Kevin left behind two children, the youngest of whom was just months old at the time of the shooting.
Gunman Brown was jailed for life, with a minimum term of 36 years, in December 2024.
On Friday, January 23, 2026, Ethan Hallows, the man who ordered the hit, was also jailed for Kevin’s murder, and was told the minimum term of his life sentence is one of 33 years.
Sending 25-year-old Hallows to begin his life sentence, The Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, told him: “This was an act of revenge, but it was perpertrated against completely the wrong people.”
Judge Richardson continued: “You directed the gunman, and a few seconds later he executed what you had directed. You knew full well he had a gun, and was going to use it.
“Brown shot at the car as it reversed. The driver had seen Brown had a gun in his hand and those relatively young man were trying to escape being shot at for no reason. The car reversed into a side street while being shot at. It made off and the last shot killed Kevin Pokuta. It hit him in the head.”
Speaking outside court a few moments after Hallows’ life sentence was passed down, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector, Thomas Woodward, said: “Kevin was shot dead and died from a single bullet wound to the head because criminals mistakenly thought he was a person they wanted to seek revenge on over a failed robbery.
“This is inexcusable. We have no place for gun crime in South Yorkshire. Lives such as Kevin's and his family's, are often ruined.
“Let this be a reminder that we will not stop until we arrest and prosecute those who choose to bring gun violence to our streets.”
In addition to Kevin’s murder, jurors also convicted Hallows of further offences of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of firearms, in December 2025.
Hallows fled to Dubai shortly after Kevin’s death, after his then-partner Paris Askew assisted him by furnishing him with a plane ticket and boarding pass and arranging transport to Manchester Airport.
Askew, 23, of Griffiths Road, High Green, was convicted of assisting an offender at the conclusion of the same trial and was today jailed for three years.
Judge Richardson told Askew: “It is inconceivable that you did not know what he had done. You were his partner. I’m sure you knew he had involvement in a shooting and a murder inquiry was in train. He needed to leave the country fast, and you helped him to do so.
“Those who materially assist an offender to escape in that fashion must be punished.”
Det Insp Woodward continued: “Today, two more people have been sent to prison for their involvement in the murder of Kevin Pokuta.
“Kevin was only 19 when he was fatally shot on Page Hall Road in December 2023, in a destressing case of mistaken identity.
“He was a loving father of two very young children, who will now have to grow up without their dad.
“Our investigation was quickly launched, and last year five people were convicted for their involvement.
“Despite this successful result, we knew that more people were responsible for Kevin's death. So, in our continued effort to secure justice for Kevin’s family our hunt for those involved continued.
“After analysing many hours of CCTV footage, Ethan Hallows was identified as being in a car where he gave the order to shoot Kevin.
“Ethan Hallows’ ran away to avoid facing the consequences of his actions, fleeing the country with the help of his girlfriend, Paris Askew.
“I hope Kevin’s family find comfort in the fact that two more people involved in the murder of their loved one, will be spending significant time behind bars.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the continued support we received from the public during our investigation.
“Police colleagues and expert witnesses work long hours to ensure justice is served, but sometimes the missing link in cases is information, which is passed on by you - our community.”
Hallows and Askew were told that the time they have spend on remand will count towards their sentence.
In December 2024, Brown was jailed for life for Kevin’s murder and ordered to serve a minimum term of 36 years behind bars before he can be considered for parole.
Three other men - Lester Ramsey, then 25, formerly Skelton Close, Woodhouse, Sheffield; Leon Waite, then 27, formerly of Denholme Close, Burngreave, Sheffield and Adam Mulligan, then 33 and formerly of Rotherham, were found guilty of conspiracy to rob.
Waite and Ramsey were jailed for four years and six months, while Mulligan received three years and six months.
Meanwhile a 17-year-old boy who was also found guilty of conspiracy and was handed a youth rehabilitation order.