Gang member who shot boy, 12, jailed for killing woman in hit-and-run
A gang member serving life in jail for shooting a 12-year-old boy has been given a further sentence for killing a woman in a hit-and-run collision.
Stephen Dunford, 27, was jailed for a minimum of 19 years in October 2020 for attempted murder and firearms offences.
He seriously injured the schoolboy after opening fire on a group of bystanders at a car park on January 12 that year.
Dunford has now been further sentenced for killing Naomi Colcomb, 28, in a hit-and-run in October 2018 – more than a year before he gunned down the boy.
He was jailed for six years after admitting to causing death by dangerous driving in the fatal collision in Sheffield on October 13, 2018.
Dunford drove a grey Fiat Punto at speed through a red traffic light while high on nitrous oxide before ploughing into Naomi on the crossing at St Mary’s Gate, killing her instantly.
Sheffield Crown Court heard that despite the impact, Dunford did not stop and fled the scene, continuing to drive in a dangerous manner.
The Punto was later located on fire at 4.05am that morning.
After abandoning the vehicle in Dunford was picked up in a taxi.
He then later took another taxi to a hotel which drove past the scene of the crash.
Investigators said Dunford was ‘clearly trying to find out the extent of his actions, after fleeing the scene and showing absolutely no regard for his victim’.
Later that day, Dunford was found to have gone to Skegness to evade police.
Speaking after yesterday’s sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Rob Platts said: ‘Whilst Dunford has showed little remorse for his actions throughout, I am pleased that he finally saw some sort of sense and admitted his guilt.
‘If nothing more this has saved the family and friends of Naomi from having to endure a trial which would have caused further upset and distress.
‘Naomi was a young, caring and hugely popular lady.
‘Through no fault of her own she has had her life taken away by the dangerous and despicable actions of Dunford.
‘I just hope that Naomi’s family and friends can seek a small amount of comfort from this sentencing, and somehow find the strength to move on.
‘I know for certain that Naomi will never be forgotten.’
Naomi’s mum, Sabine Heiliger, added: ‘I feel some relief that Stephen Dunford has at last been held to account for Naomi’s death, even though nothing will ever make up for the loss of her life or ease the pain.’
Dunford will serve his sentences concurrently.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.