A driver was paid a mere £15 for transporting a crime gang on a 120-mile journey that culminated in the fatal shooting of an innocent mother-of-four in a devastating case of mistaken identity. Former shopworker Joanne Penney, aged 40, was frying bacon and eggs when she answered a knock at her door and was shot dead.
Tragic Details of the Fatal Incident
Joanne Penney called out 'I've been shot' and staggered backwards before succumbing to a single bullet wound to the heart within seconds. The incident occurred in Talbot Green, near Cardiff, where Joanne had been staying with friends after becoming homeless.
The Driver's Role and Conviction
Tony Porter, 69, drove his Nissan Note from the Leicester area to South Wales, transporting gang members to the scene. He waited in his car around the corner during the shooting. Porter was found not guilty of murder and manslaughter but was convicted of participating in the activities of an organised crime gang.
During sentencing, the court heard that Porter received what was described as 'pocket money' of just £10 or £15 for his driving services on the day of the killing. Defence barrister David Elias stated that Porter ended up near a serious offence due to his involvement with the crime group, but there was no evidence he had any knowledge of the planned attack.
Sentencing and Judicial Comments
Mr Justice Fordham told Porter he had been 'very helpful' and 'cheap' to the drug gang because he 'did not ask questions.' Porter, of Braunstone Town, Leicestershire, received a 22-month prison sentence. Due to time already served on remand, he can now serve the remainder of his sentence on licence.
Broader Criminal Convictions
Following a three-and-a-half month trial at Cardiff Crown Court, three men and two women were convicted of Joanne's murder. Gunman Marcus Huntley, 21, pleaded guilty to murder, while co-defendants Joshua Gordon, Jordan Mills-Smith, Melissa Quailey-Dashper, and Kristina Ginova were found guilty.
Background of the Attack
The court heard that drug dealer Joshua Gordon, 27, arranged the botched attack after one of his dealers was assaulted by a rival drugs gang. The gunman and two accomplices intended to target the rival gang but mistakenly shot Joanne before fleeing the scene.
Disturbingly, Marcus Huntley took a selfie with the murder weapon the day before the killing. Footage presented in court showed Huntley, Mills-Smith, and Quailey-Dashper approaching the flat's door, with Huntley visibly armed with the handgun.
Family's Heartbreaking Statement
Joanne's family released an emotional statement expressing their devastation: 'We are devastated by the tragic loss of our beloved Joanne. She was a daughter, mother, sister, and niece - loved deeply by all who knew her. Her kindness, strength, and love for her family will never be forgotten.'
The family continued: 'During this incredibly difficult time, we ask for privacy as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We appreciate the support and condolences from the community and kindly request that our family be given the space to mourn in peace.'
Additional Details of the Convicted
The convicted individuals include Melissa Quailey-Dashper, 40, from Leicester; Kristina Ginova, 22, from Leicestershire; Jordan Mills-Smith, 33, of Pentwyn, Cardiff; and Joshua Gordon, 27, of Oadby, Leicestershire. Their convictions highlight the extensive network involved in this organised crime operation that led to an innocent woman's death.
