What Connor Chapman did was “utterly shocking” and he had “no thought for anyone else”, the judge tells him at Liverpool Crown Court.
A man who murdered a 26-year-old beautician when he fired a sub-machine gun into a crowd outside a pub on Christmas Eve has been jailed for a minimum of 48 years.
Connor Chapman, 23, was found guilty of murdering Elle Edwards by a jury at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday.
Members of Ms Edwards’ family shouted “goodbye lad”, “scumbag” and “rat” as Chapman was taken down from the dock after being sentenced on Friday.
The judge at Liverpool Crown Court, Mr Justice Goose, told Chapman: “I am satisfied that you are a highly dangerous man.
“In this trial, we have all watched the CCTV and sound recording of that shooting.
“It’s utterly shocking. You carefully planned a revenge attack in gang rivalry. You had no thought at all for anyone else, least of all innocent people.”
Mark Rhind KC, defending, said there was “very little” mitigation, adding: “I cannot suggest there is remorse.”
He also said Chapman has two children, one of whom he has never met. They will be middle-aged by the time he is released.
Ms Edward’s father, Tim Edwards, said outside court after the sentencing: “Thankfully now he’s got 48 years and hopefully he never sees Christmas again.
“If I’m lucky enough to still be around for a long time yet, I will do my best to make sure he never comes out of jail.”
Referring to the lengthy sentence, Mr Edwards added: “If you think of picking up a gun now, you should think twice.”
He also said those investigating the case “did not give up” and were “relentless”.