Mum shot dead at home was 'trying to protect family from balaclava-clad gunman'

13 December 2023 , 17:01

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Lianne Gordon was pronounced dead at the scene (Image: Facebook)

A mum who died after being shot in the head at her home was trying to protect her family, a court has heard.

Lianne Gordon died on Tuesday last week after being shot at her home in Hackney, East London. The 42-year-old mum-of-two was trying to shield her family when the gun was fired, a court has now heard.

A 16-year-old boy has since been charged with Lianne's murder and two counts of attempted murder. The Old Bailey heard on Wednesday how the teen allegedly went to the street on a bike whilst wearing a balaclava and armed with a 9mm self-loading pistol.

He allegedly fired the gun, hitting 20-year-old Amani Adams-McGuire in the buttock and injuring a 16-year-old boy in the thigh.
The court heard he then went on to try to force his way into Ms Gordon's home, "shoulder-barging and kicking the door".

Prosecutor Louise Oakley told the court: "Lianne Gordon tried to ensure that door closed to keep her family safe. She was unable to do so and [the youth] continued to force his way into that property.

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"He discharged that firearm and the bullet struck Lianne Gordon in the head." The gunman fled and police and paramedics arrived shortly before 6.30pm.

Ms Gordon was pronounced dead at the scene and the two other victims were treated in hospital before being discharged. Police said the victims were not related, but were believed to have known each other.

Early on Friday, the Metropolitan Police detained the 16-year-old. He was subsequently charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder.

He was also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply. On Wednesday, the defendant appeared at the central London court for a preliminary hearing by videolink from Feltham young offenders institution.

He spoke to confirm his identity, which cannot be published due to his age, before Judge Angela Rafferty KC set a timetable for his case. A plea hearing was set for March 8 next year with a provisional trial either in June or September.

The defendant was remanded into youth detention accommodation.

PA