Teenager found guilty of attempted murder after Mackworth shooting

A 17-year-old has been found guilty of attempted murder after a shooting in Mackworth.

Tafa Whittaker, who is now able to be named after a court order banning his identification was lifted, was found guilty following a trial at Derby Crown Court.

The jury heard how the teenager shot his 34-year-old victim in the stomach with a sawn-off shotgun following an incident between the victim, his friend, and a group of youths - including Whittaker - on the evening of September 14, 2022.

Following the shooting in Ilford Road the victim was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries and had to undergo multiple operations and blood transfusions.

Following a two-week trial the jury found Whittaker, of Wild Street, Derby, guilty of attempted murder.

Two other 18-year-olds who were on trial alongside Whittaker were found not guilty by the jury. Raffique Harris, of Cheviot Street, was found not guilty of attempted murder and a lesser one of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. 

While Tavonga Shoko, of St Quentin Close, was found not guilty of assisting an offender in relation to an allegation he helped Mr Harris following the shooting.

Whittaker was remanded to prison and will be sentenced on 27 April.