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Two jailed over Brass Handles pub shooting

09/05/2007

Two people have been jailed for life for planning the gangland execution of a man in Salford pub.

Yesterday, Constance Howarth, 38, of Rosalind Court, Salford, and Ian McLeod, 42, of Victoria Street, Radcliffe, were both sentenced to life in prison for a crime that took place last year.

Mr McLeod was told he will spend at least 21 years in jail while Ms Howarth was handed a minimum tariff of 20 years.

Preston crown court had earlier heard how they had paid two men, Carlton Alveranga, 20, and Richard Austin, 19, to kill 27-year-old David Totton at the Brass Handles pub on Edgehill Close on the afternoon of March 12th.

The two hitmen entered the pub and opened fire; however, it is thought that the gun carried by Mr Alveranga misfired, allowing Mr Totton and another man to overpower them during the ensuing clash.

Aaron Travers, 27, suffered gunshot wounds to the chest and Mr Totton was hit in the face and chest, although both survived.

Mr Alveranga and Mr Austin fled but both later died from injuries to the chest after collapsing outside.

Detective Superintendent Andy Tattersall said: "This was a premeditated attempt at cold-blooded murder in a pub packed with families and children on a Sunday afternoon.

He added that the lengthy sentences send out a "real warning" to anyone who is considering becoming involved with firearms.

At the time of the incident, the Brass Handles was busy with people watching a televised football match between Newcastle United and Manchester United.



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