Shotgun fired through letterbox, teen hit

Two men have been sentenced to prison for a violent incident where a loaded shotgun was fired through a letterbox, severely injuring a 15-year-old boy. The attack occurred on June 7, when Efekan Karahan and Ashley Corbin travelled from Bristol to Cardiff with the intent to 'send a message' as part of a drug feud.

Karahan, wearing a balaclava, fired the shotgun twice through the letterbox, hitting the 15-year-old victim, who was in the hallway, with 30 pellets. The incident was filmed by Corbin before both men fled in a stolen Volkswagen Golf.

The victim sustained extensive injuries to his legs, with some pellets too deep to remove surgically. He described the terrifying experience, stating his 'world turned upside down' and he feared losing his legs. The court heard that had a protective cage not been behind the letterbox, the blast could have been more severe.

Evidence, including DNA, telematics data from the stolen car, and mobile phone footage, led to the apprehension of Karahan and Corbin. They were arrested on June 16. Both defendants pleaded guilty to charges including possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Efekan Karahan received an eight-year and four-month prison sentence, while Ashley Corbin was sentenced to six years. A Crown Prosecution Service representative highlighted the pre-planned nature of the offense and the severe consequences of firearm discharge.