Two jailed for 30 years over car chase shooting

Two men who showed "a total disregard for anyone's wellbeing" by firing a pistol from their car at a vehicle they were chasing, have each been sentenced to 30 years in prison for attempted murder.

James McGuinness, from Yeovil and Junior Renford, from London, both age 31, were also found guilty of firearms offences in connection with the incident in Bofors Park trading estate in Yeovil, on 1 October 2025.

The pair drove on to the trading estate at midday chasing the victims' vehicle, before shooting at it. No one was hurt, police said.

Det Con Josh Hawkins said it was believed to be a "targeted attack" and only "sheer luck" that the victims and members of the public were uninjured.

The two people inside the vehicle being chased both escaped unhurt, with McGuinness and Renford arrested in the following days.

The pair denied attempted murder, as well as charges of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a firearm whilst prohibited for life and possession of ammunition without a certificate.

But they were found guilty of all counts following a jury trial at Taunton Crown Court and were sentenced on Friday.

"It's only through sheer luck that the victims were uninjured and also that no member of the public who was in the busy trading estate that afternoon was hit," Det Con Hawkins said.

"Their reckless actions put people at significant risk of harm and that has been reflected by both the seriousness of the offences they have been convicted of, but also the lengthy prison sentences they have both been given.

"These two dangerous men pose a serious risk to the public and I'm pleased that they have now been taken off our streets for a significant period of time."

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