A man has been jailed after fleeing the UK and triggering an international manhunt following a shooting at a house in Halifax

In January 2023, police were called to Lister Lane, Halifax, after a firearm was used to damage a house.

During the incident, Ellis Thornton, 26 from Leeds, fired four shots at the property, hitting two ground-floor windows.

The occupants of the address were not injured.

Following the incident Thornton fled the UK with a woman from Leeds, sparking an international manhunt.

While on the run, he travelled through Suriname and Mexico.

He was later arrested in the United States for an unrelated matter and remained in custody there.

In January this year, Rashawn Bedeau, 28, was jailed for two years for funding Thornton while he was evading authorities.

After extensive work involving multiple agencies, Thornton was extradited to the UK, in April this year.

The 26-year-old was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of ammunition without a certificate, and remanded in custody.

Thornton pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of ammunition without a certificate.

On Tuesday (Jul 14), the 26-year-old was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court to eight years and three months in prison.

Detective Inspector Andrew Ellis of the Homicide & Major Enquiry Team said: “We are pleased with today’s outcome and hope it serves as a clear deterrent to anyone considering the illegal use of firearms.

“West Yorkshire Police treat all incidents involving the criminal use of firearms with the utmost seriousness.

“Thornton showed a complete disregard for the safety of those inside the address, and the consequences of his actions could have been far more serious.

“We remain committed to thoroughly investigating offences of this nature and will use every capability available to identify those responsible and bring them before the courts.”