A masked gunman who fired three shots at a shopper in a north London convenience store has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison. Mustafa Bolat, 29, was jailed on Friday after pulling out a self-loading 9mm pistol and opening fire on Ali Unlu at a store in Wood Green. The incident occurred after Bolat had argued with the victim's family.
One of the shots was fired at close range, but all three bullets missed Mr. Unlu. CCTV footage from the store captured the confrontation, showing Mr. Unlu turning away moments before Bolat discharged the weapon. Following the shots, Mr. Unlu engaged Bolat in a physical altercation, with the pair grappling and falling against a drinks fridge, sending fruit flying.
Bolat was arrested and charged with attempted murder, but a jury cleared him of this charge, as well as possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life. He claimed he was "just trying to scare" the victim and did not realize the weapon was lethal. He did, however, admit to possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
During the trial, Bolat stated he was "not a monster" and "not an angel," admitting to his "stupidity" in committing the crime. The court heard he has a previous conviction for grievous bodily harm from a 2017 knife attack. He was also previously found guilty of dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen, leading to a suspended sentence.
Judge Simon Mayo rejected Bolat's claim that he was unaware the firearm was functional. "I am sure you knew it was a functioning firearm," the judge stated, noting that the "consequences could easily have been catastrophic" and that it was largely a matter of chance no one was killed. The judge emphasized that Bolat "deliberately introduced a loaded firearm into a conflict" with the clear intention to intimidate and terrify.
Following the incident, numerous emergency calls were made by witnesses reporting the shooting. Bolat was arrested while driving, despite being disqualified from the road. In a letter to the judge, Bolat expressed remorse and stated his desire to live a law-abiding life.