Canberra man sentenced to prison for point-blank shooting driven by revenge

A Canberra man has been handed a prison

A Canberra man has been handed a prison sentence after admitting to shooting another man in the face with a makeshift firearm, an act prosecutors said was fueled by a desire for payback.

The incident occurred in March last year, when the offender, Bradley John Wilson, confronted the victim at close range and fired a homemade shotgun. The blast struck the victim in the face and shoulder, leaving him with severe injuries that required ongoing medical treatment.

During sentencing in the ACT Supreme Court, it was revealed that Wilson had intended to "exact retribution" against the victim, though the court did not detail the root of their dispute. The judge noted the attack was premeditated and involved a dangerous weapon, describing it as a serious breach of community safety.

Wilson, who had pleaded guilty to charges of

Wilson, who had pleaded guilty to charges of causing grievous bodily harm, showed no visible emotion as the sentence was read. His legal team argued for leniency, citing his difficult background and remorse, but the prosecution maintained that the use of a firearm, even a homemade one, demanded a strong deterrent response.

Ultimately, the court sentenced Wilson to a term of imprisonment, with a non-parole period that reflects the gravity of the offense. The victim, who was present in court, said in a statement that the attack had changed his life forever, leaving him with permanent physical and psychological scars.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of vigilante justice, with legal experts noting that such acts rarely resolve conflicts and often lead to far graver outcomes for both parties.