ALBERT GRANNON'S TRAGIC FATAL SHOOTING IN SPROATLEY: EAST YORKSHIRE HORROR

In July of the previous year, a devastating incident unfolded at a residence in Sproatley, East Yorkshire, that would leave a community in shock and mourning. Albert Grannon, aged 77, became the central figure in this tragic event when he unintentionally caused the death of his six-year-old great-grandson, Stanley Metcalf, through a fatal shooting with an air rifle.

According to reports, the firearm was left unattended on a windowsill within Grannon’s home in Sproatley. It was at this point that young Stanley, curious and eager to play, discovered the weapon and attempted to handle it. The circumstances that led to the trigger being pulled remain unclear, as authorities have not publicly detailed how the incident precisely occurred. What is known is that, somehow, the trigger was activated, and the pellet gun discharged, striking Stanley in the abdomen.

Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene around 4 pm on July 26. Stanley was immediately rushed to Hull Royal Infirmary, suffering from a severe injury—a hole in his side caused by the air gun projectile. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the young boy succumbed to his injuries later that day. The tragedy was compounded when Grannon suffered a heart attack following the incident, though he survived the medical emergency.

Police investigations, led by Detective Inspector Rebecca Dickinson, revealed that Grannon had previously shown no remorse for the incident. On the day of the court proceedings, Grannon, dressed in a smart jacket, shirt, and tie, sat in the dock listening through a headset as he pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The court heard that he was warned of the possibility of a prison sentence, emphasizing the gravity of the case.

During the hearing, Judge Peter Kelson QC addressed Grannon directly, stating, “This case, as well as tragic, is very serious. It’s entirely possible that a prison sentence will follow. You must prepare for that.” Following the brief session, Grannon responded with a simple “thank you” to the judge.

Family members of Stanley were present in the courtroom, seated in the public gallery and in seats typically reserved for jury members. They paid tribute to the young boy, describing him as a “brainy, kind little boy.” Through a statement issued by Humberside Police, Stanley’s family expressed their profound grief, stating, “We are absolutely devastated and completely heartbroken without Stanley and it still doesn’t feel real we won’t see his happy, smiling face again. There are no real words to express how the loss of Stanley has affected us and we all miss him so much.”

They also shared memories of Stanley’s vibrant personality, noting his love for football and his energetic nature. The family held a superhero-themed funeral last year, with his twin sister leading a horse-drawn carriage procession in his honor.

Post-mortem examinations confirmed that Stanley’s cause of death was an “air gun projectile wound to abdomen.” The case has been adjourned for sentencing, scheduled for July 2, as authorities continue to process the full implications of this tragic event. The incident remains a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unsecured firearms, even those as seemingly harmless as air rifles, especially in homes with young children.