A shocking incident involving a drug dealer shooting a man after pointing a gun at him “as a joke” has made headlines. Shay Walker, 26, who had previously evaded a prison sentence, found himself in court following the death of Peter Hale at the age of 50. Hale passed away on February 4th this year, four days after sustaining a single gunshot wound in his Liverpool home. It was alleged that Walker shot Mr Hale over a £500 drug debt after both men reportedly used crack cocaine provided by Walker to sell. The prosecution claimed that Walker jokingly pointed the gun at Mr Hale, saying, “I have brought this for yous, you c**ts,” before firing the fatal shot.
Despite admitting to being the shooter, Walker maintained that he didn’t think the gun was loaded and that the shooting was accidental. After a jury trial, Walker was unanimously acquitted of murder, manslaughter, and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. However, he had previously pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited weapon and ammunition without a certificate. The court convened again for his sentencing. The prosecution detailed the events leading up to the shooting, with Anthony Hale, Peter’s brother, making a distressing call reporting the incident. Walker had visited the Hale brothers’ residence with a loaded gun, allegedly to collect a debt for drugs.
During his sentencing, Walker revealed that he had received a suspended sentence in 2023 for drug-related charges but failed to comply with the associated requirements. The judge sentenced Walker to seven years and one month in prison, including five years and four months for the firearms offence and the remainder of the suspended sentence. In delivering the verdict, the judge acknowledged the tragic loss of Peter Hale but reiterated the jury’s findings of no intent to cause harm or alarm. Walker’s involvement in drug trafficking was also highlighted, with the court noting his pattern of drug supply to the Hale brothers.
Walker’s actions and explanations during the trial shed light on the tragic incident, revealing a series of events that culminated in a fatal outcome. The court’s decision to impose a substantial prison sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence and the impact it had on the victim and his family. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with firearms and drug-related activities, underscoring the need for stringent measures to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Walker’s sentencing marks the culmination of a harrowing legal process, offering some measure of closure to those affected by this senseless act of violence.