22/05/2008

Teenager Found Guilty In 'Wild West' Shooting

A teenager has been found guilty of killing a young nurse who was caught in a cross-fire on her way home from work.

Armel Gnango, 17, had denied murdering Magda Pniewska, 26, in New Cross, south London, last October.

A post-mortem found that Ms Pniewska, of Polish origin, had died of a bullet wound to the head.

She had been taken a short-cut home through a car park whilst talking to her sister in Poland on her mobile phone when she became caught in the cross-fire between two youths.

Gnango has been found guilty of murder, attempted murder and possessing a gun to endanger life.

The court heard that although Gnango's weapon had not fired the fatal bullet, he was nevertheless responsible for Ms Pniewska's death as he was "involved in the gunfight".

Gnango giving evidence said that he had "never shot a gun before" and that he "was trying to scare off" the other youth involved in the cross-fire.

A second youth had been arrested but was released without charge.

It is reported that the 9mm pistols were found months later, one in a sports bag and the other in a scooter.

Prosecuting, Brian Altman QC said that the shooting was "reminiscent of the Wild West" and that "Magda was the innocent victim of a gunfight between two young men who were total strangers to her".

In a statement read out in court, Ms Pniewska mother Barbara said that "the ray of sunshine which was Magda, has gone from our family".

Gnango, who pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited weapon, has been remanded in custody until June when he will be handed down a life sentence with a minimum term of years to be served.

See: Jury Out On 'Wild West' Shooting

(DS)


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