ALBERT GRANNON WHO FATALLY SHOT HIS GREAT GRANDSON SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS IN PRISON
The presiding judge told Albert Grannon that he had 'ended a young life' and had caused lifelong sorrow and suffering for his family and parents.A 78-year-old individual was sentenced to three years in prison after he shot and killed his six-year-old great-grandson while inspecting his unlicensed air rifle.
Albert Grannon discharged a .22 caliber firearm into Stanley Metcalf’s abdomen during a family gathering at his residence in Sproatley, East Yorkshire, in July of the previous year.
During the hearing at Sheffield Crown Court, it was revealed that the young boy exclaimed, 'you shot me granddad,' following the loud bang that startled those present.
Stanley's mother, Jenny Dees, described the defendant, her grandfather, stating: 'He did not once say sorry.
If he had, it would be meaningless – too little, too late.' After providing an emotional statement and displaying a photograph of Stanley to the court, she explained her feelings.
Initially, after the incident, she felt pity for her grandfather, but she concluded: 'I don't feel sorry for him now.' The defense attorney, Paul Genney, acknowledged that Grannon personally blames himself, despite disagreements from Stanley's parents.
The judge addressed Grannon directly, saying: 'You ended a young life and caused lifelong grief and misery to his parents and family.
What you did was clearly extremely dangerous.
Why on earth did you do it?' During sentencing, Grannon showed no visible emotion as he stood before the court.
The court heard that the incident caused divisions within Stanley's extended family, with some relatives present inside the courtroom and others watching from the public gallery.
Many witnesses were visibly emotional as the sentence was announced.
As Grannon was taken away, a woman on the balcony shouted, 'Love you dad.'
