ALMOST every aspect of a victim’s evidence is unreliable, the jury in a shooting trial has heard.

Two men are standing trial at Basildon Crown Court following an alleged shooting at a traveller site in Hovefields Avenue, Wickford, last September.

Thomas Saunders, 29, of Arterial Road, Rayleigh, is charged with two counts of possession of a firearm and destroying or damaging property.

And Thomas Connors, 24, of Merlin Crescent, Edgware, is charged with encouraging or assisting in one or more offences believing they would be committed, assisting an offender, and dangerous driving.

But on Friday the defence claimed that the evidence “doesn’t prove” that a man shot at a car, caravan and chalet.

Defending Saunders, Simon Sandford said: “The prosecution evidence doesn’t prove he committed the offences.

“Our case is the witness is almost the worst person as an identification witness and almost every aspect of his evidence is unreliable.

“He has sight issues and hearing issues, and says he cannot be sure the man with the shotgun was Thomas Saunders, not that he could see the gunman as his sight is so bad.

“He had real doubts about it and he said he hoped it was not him as he liked him. His grandson questioned if he was mistaken and he agreed he could have been.”

The jury was previously told gun shots were fired at a chalet, caravan and car, leaving windows smashed and property damaged, during the incident.

The court also heard the victim told police there were pellet holes in a car and it is not repairable; the cost to fix the man’s property is between £15,000 and £30,000.

Speaking to the jury, Mr Sanford added: “The victim became quite impatient when he was cross-examined by me and also when he spoke to the police operator too.

“The prosecution made much of the 999 call but that is not evidence. How can the prosecution and you be sure it was Mr Saunders if the victim is not sure?”

The jury previously heard the victim was trying to calm the man down before the suspect jumped off the wall and into a car before speeding away.

  • The trial continues.