Essex man admits gun charge after Preston shooting

A man has admitted possessing a gun used to terrorise a man and his family outside his home in Preston.

The victim was returning to his house in Fulwood after collecting his son from a mosque when a shot was fired through the window on 12 February.

Uwais Ilyas, 22, from Essex, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Charges of conspiracy to murder against Ilyas and four other people were dropped at Preston Crown Court.

Another charge of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life was also discontinued on the direction of the judge.

'Serious incident'

Ilyas, of Colombo Road, Ilford, was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 12 November.

Speaking after the hearing, Det Supt Neil Esseen, of Lancashire Police, said: "This was an extremely serious incident.

"Fortunately no-one was injured but this could have very easily have had far more serious consequences.

"The result today illustrates our commitment to investigating these offences thoroughly and I would like to thank all those involved in the enquiry."

Conspiracy to murder and firearms charges were also dropped against Pheo Charlery, 20, of Burges Road, London; Manjit Sandhu, 25, of Fairlawns Close, Hornchurch; Kasha Hayes, 18, of Sylvan Road, Ilford and Rizwan Arif, 31, Ranerlagh Road, London.