Wirral's political leaders said gangland violence must not be allowed to prevail on the peninsula after Connor Chapman was jailed for 48 years for the murder of Elle Edwards in Wallasey on Christmas Eve.
“Wholly innocent” Elle, 26, had been enjoying a night out with her sister and friends when she was caught in a hail of bullets outside the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey Village. Elle was struck in the head and died almost instantly, while five men were also injured, one critically.
Drug dealer Chapman was today jailed for 48 years, having been found guilty of Elle's murder at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday. Chapman’s friend Thomas Waring, 20, was also convicted of possession of a prohibited weapon, and assisting an offender by helping Chapman torch a stolen black Mercedes car used to flee the scene. The 20-year-old was sentenced to nine years in prison.
READ MORE: How Connor Chapman went from 'nuisance ASBO yob' to ruthless gangland killer
Reacting to news of the sentences, Wirral's political leaders have said that while justice has been done in this case, it is vital that gang violence does not win out on the Wirral after a number of recent incidents.
Wallasey MP Angela Eagle said: "This afternoon, justice has been served. My thoughts and deepest sympathies continue to be with Elle’s family and loved ones today. I hope today’s judgement will bring them some comfort, but it is nothing compared to the hell they have been going through since December.
"We cannot allow gangland violence and cowardly cold blooded murder to prevail on the Wirral.
"It is vital our community is protected from violence, and that those who perpetrate such crimes face the consequences of their life destroying behaviour."
Wirral Council's leader Paul Stuart, who represents the Seacombe ward, said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family and friends of Elle Edwards who have suffered such a devastating loss and having to endure a lengthy court trial.
"Nothing will ever replace the loss of Elle, especially in such horrific circumstances. However, I hope Elle’s family will take some comfort knowing justice has been served to those responsible.
"This was an appalling crime, and its impact was felt by whole community in Wallasey Village and throughout Wirral.
"I would like to thank our communities for rallying together through this tough time and assure them that Wirral Council is committed to supporting the work of the police and other partners in tackling serious and organised crime and violence and doing everything we can to ensure such a tragedy is not repeated.”
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