England: Two people who organized a gangland execution in a packed pub in Greater Manchester have been jailed for life

BBC News:

Ian McLeod, 42, and Constance Howarth, 38, hired a pair of hitmen to kill two men as they watched a football match in the Brass Handles pub in Salford.

Carlton Alveranga, 20, and Richard Austin, 19, burst in and opened fire in March 2006 - but missed their targets and were killed in the ensuing melee.

McLeod was told he will serve a minimum of 21 years and Howarth 20 years.

McLeod, of Victoria Street, Radcliffe, and Howarth, of Rosalind Court, Salford were convicted of conspiracy to murder by a jury at Preston Crown Court last month.

The court heard how gunmen Alveranga and Austin stormed into the pub in Edgehill Close, Langworthy, shortly before 1415 GMT on 12 March 2006.

At the time, the pub was busy with people watching a live televised football match between Manchester United and Newcastle United.

Target David Totton was shot and another man, Aaron Travers, was also hit as Austin pulled the trigger six times.

But Alveranga's 9mm handgun jammed and the pair were jumped on by drinkers, disarmed and then shot in the chest with their own weapons.

The pair staggered outside after the incident but were attacked as they lay dying on the grass verge outside.

Mr Totton and Mr Travers were both badly injured but survived.

Bungled hit highlights gun culture