Masked gunman who fired three bullets at shopper before fist-fight in London convenience store is jailed for six years

Mustafa Bolat, 29, has been jailed for six years and three months after firing three shots at Ali Unlu inside a convenience shop in Wood Green, north London. The attack followed an argument involving Bolat’s family; all three bullets missed, and the men then grappled in the shop, captured on CCTV. The case shows how a firearm used to intimidate can put a victim and bystanders at serious risk.

Bolat admitted possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, but an Old Bailey jury cleared him of attempted murder and possessing a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life. He said he had meant to scare Unlu and did not know the gun was lethal, but Judge Simon Mayo said Bolat knew it was functional. Bolat had a previous conviction for grievous bodily harm after a knife attack and was arrested while driving despite being banned.