Father of innocent 12-year-old boy shot in Sheffield speaks of 'living hell'

The young boy was stood with a group of friends outside a sandwich shop in Northern Avenue in Arbourthorne, Sheffield, on the afternoon of January 12, when he was shot in his thigh.

Another boy was also nearly shot in the head during the drive-by attack, in what was almost a fatal case of mistaken identity.

The 12-year-old boy managed to run home and tell his father what had happened before being rushed to hospital.

His father said: "I was scared to death. I could not believe it when he said he had been shot.. He kept shouting 'am I going to die?'.

"He was panicking and in shock. I didn't know if he was going to die. I can not tell you enough how traumatic it was.

"I am still confused as to why it was him who was shot.

"We have been living through hell.This will never go away for him. This has traumatised him. He will have to live with this for the rest of his life."

Sheffield Crown Court heard how medical staff were unable to remove the bullet from the boy's leg. His mobility has been affected and he has problems running.

The boy's father said: "He wakes up during the night and has become paranoid.

"I too fear for the safety of my family. I won't let him play out with his friends and we are looking to move house."

Stephen Dunford, 26, was arrested and charged with the attempted murder of the boy, two days after the cold drive-by shooting.

Dunford, of Fellbrigg Road, denied any involvement in the horrifying attack and claimed to have been at his grandparents' house having Sunday lunch at the time of the shooting.

However, in a foolish brag, Dunford decided he would not only write a rap about the shooting - he would perform it on a recorded telephone call from prison.

He was found guilty of attempted murder last month after a six-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

Another man, Brandon Bailey, 26, of Manor Park Way, was also found guilty of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Both were due to be sentenced for their crimes today, however Judge Jeremy Richardson QC adjourned sentencing until Wednesday and revealed he is considering imposing a life prison sentence in respect of Dunford.