Elderly Sheffield man shot in stomach at home left with 50 per cent chance of survival

Jonathan McGregor has been sentenced to 24 years in prison, with an extended five year license period

Leeds Crown Court was told how Alan Whiffin, aged 63, has a survival rate of just 50 per cent some eight months after Jonathan McGregor shot him in the abdomen at his home in Sicey Green, Shiregreen.

McGregor of Kyle Close, Southey Green and three others broke in to Mr Whiffin's home in the early hours of June 6, 2016 armed with a sawn-off shotgun looking to steal drugs from his property. Mr Whiffin was unknown to the gang.

In an emotional victim impact statement read out in court, Mr Whiffin, who has had his leg amputated as a result of the injuries sustained in the shocking attack, described how his life had been ruined by McGregor.

The scout leader said: "I have lived in hospital for six months with my abdomen open. The loss of my leg is something I haven't been able to come to terms with.

"My life has been ruined. I have got nothing left.

"They got nothing from it. I keep thinking 'why me, why me,' it's all I ask myself every day."

The court was told that Mr Whiffin's condition had recently worsened, and following surgery for a perforated bowel last month - which cannot be operated on again - the 63-year-old now only has a 50 per cent chance of survival.

During the robbery Mr Whiffin's nephew Richard Whiffin told the court, during a trial at Sheffield Crown Court in December, that when he came downstairs following hearing shouts from his uncle he heard one of the gang shouting 'where's the bud'.

Sentencing McGregor, who refused to leave his prison cell to attend Friday's sentencing, Judge Thomas Bayliss QC said the 23-year-old had failed to show any remorse for his actions.

He added: "Like most of us Alan Whiffin's home was his sanctuary and on June 6, 2016 he was shot in his own home at close range, causing an open wound to his abdomen.

"He is not able to eat, he is not able to move, he has lost his leg. In his victim impact statement, he described his life as being ruined and being unable to move forwards with his life."

At the conclusion of December's trial, a jury found McGregor guilty of one count of attempted robbery, one count of using a fire arm with intent and one count of grievous bodily harm with intent.

Judge Bayliss sentenced McGregor to 24 years in prison, with an extended license period of five years due to the 'considerable danger' he poses to the public.

Among the aggravating factors Judge Bayliss menioned when passing the sentence was the fact McGregor had the role of 'leader' in the gang that broke into Mr Whiffin's home.

McGregor must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before he can be considered for release.