Moment gunman opens fire outside pub - as attacker is jailed for shooting 'exceptionally brave' landlady
Oliver Corney, 35, was captured firing multiple shots at Bonita Page, 56, outside of the Red Lion Pub in Wath-upon Dearne, South Yorkshire, after she intervened in an argument as several onlookers ran away in fear.
The mother-of-two was shot in the leg, with the bullet passing through but fortunately missing two major arteries on June 28 last year.
Corney was sentenced to 11 years and nine months at Sheffield Crown Court today, with a five year extension on license, having 'wrecked' the life of courageous Ms Page.
The court heard Corney had been drinking at the Red Lion during the afternoon, but has gone home when an row 'erupted' about drugs among other customers around 9.30pm.
Ms Page, the licensee of the public house, had intervened in that earlier argument when Corney, who had heard about the incident, returned armed with a gun.
He aimed at another drinker and missed twice with his first two bullets, but hit Mrs Page with the third.
While sentencing Corney, Recorder Jeremy Richardson JC directly addressed him, stating: 'It must be made clear at the outset of this sentencing remark that those who open fire with a gun aimed at another person in a public place intent on serious injury must expect, and will receive, a long prison sentence.'
After the shooting Corney fled and disposed of the weapon, which has never been found, and got his partner to get rid of his clothes, the court heard.
Mrs Page's daughter tended the wound until paramedics arrived and transported her to the Northern General Hospital, where she underwent surgery.
Adding that Corney 'shot a very brave woman' the judge said that Ms Page was 'deserving of the highest praise for her bravery' in attempting to prevent both him and others from entering the public house, resulting in 'exceptionally serious consequences'.
He told Corey: 'You on the other hand, must be condemned and punished severely for your wanton and highly dangerous actions.'
Mrs Page, who was 'terrified and in immense pain' after being shot, now 'regards herself as a shadow of her former self', the judge added. and the once independent and resourceful woman is now highly dependant on others.
Described as an 'active member of the community', Ms Page has since been forced to relinquish her 'lucrative career' and work at the pub as a result of her injuries.
Her husband has also been forced to give up his work in order to care for her.
Stating that the victim's life had been 'sabotaged' in a 'life changing' and 'very detrimental way', the court heard how Ms Page now suffers from scarring on her leg, ongoing pain, struggles to walk, has PTSD, heightened anxiety, becomes very scared during ordinary aspects of life and suffers from recurring nightmares.
The court heard Corney has a lengthy criminal record including convictions for nine offences of violence between 2013 and 2025, seven sexual offences between 2009 and 2018 and, two offences involving firearms/shotgun and offensive weapons between 2008 and 2018.
Corney, a labourer and of Cricket Inn Road, Sheffield, was also described as having a 'baleful upbringing', having been expelled from several schools and also neglected as a child by an alcoholic mother.
The judge said that Corney's life had been 'marinaded in emotional instability, mental disorder and deprivation'.
Addressing Corney directly, Richardson said: 'You are plain and obviously a dangerous offender, is not a marginal decision.
'You were affected by alcohol. You could have maimed others by opening fire three times.
'It was only a matter of good fortune that you did not. Your conduct was exceptionally dangerous.'
Corney pleaded guilty to causing grevious bodily harm with intent and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence at an earlier hearing.
As he was led from the dock, he shouted at Ms Page, who was sat with her husband in the jury box: 'Ms Page, I want to apologise to you.'
Judge Richardson invited Mrs Page and her family into his chambers after the hearing to thank her for her 'very brave' actions and said she will be receiving an award from the High Sheriff of South Yorkshire at a ceremony later in the year.
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