A former Carlton resident who shot a man in the foot at a Nottingham party before going on the run has been jailed for 13 years.
Quamai Nugent, 34, formerly of Carlton, armed himself with two loaded pistols and returned to a party in St Ann’s seeking out a man he blamed for a shooting six years earlier.
The dramatic incident unfolded in the early hours of June 2, 2024, on Lowdham Street, where panic broke out after Nugent opened fire in a crowded area.
As partygoers fled for safety, unarmed Nottinghamshire Police officers raced towards the scene and found Nugent fighting on the ground with his victim.
During the struggle, officers discovered one of the loaded firearms on the floor and battled to keep control of the weapon while also dealing with hostile members of the crowd. Amid the chaos, Nugent managed to escape.
A manhunt and public appeal eventually led officers to track him down and arrest him.
The handgun used in the shooting, identified as a .44 calibre pistol from the bullet recovered from the victim’s foot, was never found. However, a second firearm discarded at the scene contained Nugent’s DNA inside its internal mechanisms, indicating he had personally assembled and loaded the weapon.
Investigators also discovered internet searches relating to both guns on a mobile phone seized from Nugent following an earlier arrest.
Faced with overwhelming evidence, Nugent pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and two counts of possessing a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence.
Although listed as having no fixed address at the time of sentencing, Nugent previously lived in Carlton and had been held on remand since his arrest.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on October 13, he was jailed for 13 years.
The court heard Nugent acted out of revenge after spotting the victim at a party. His barrister said Nugent believed the man had shot and injured him six years previously.
According to the defence, Nugent left the gathering, armed himself and returned, intending to wound rather than kill.
Detective Inspector Lisa Jones, of Nottinghamshire Police, said Nugent was fortunate not to be facing a much longer sentence.
She said: “Nugent chose to go out carrying two loaded firearms, one of which he then fired into a crowded space.
“He probably doesn’t feel like it today, but he can count himself lucky that he isn’t facing a far longer sentence for killing someone.”
Praising the officers who first responded, she added: “They suddenly and unexpectedly found themselves in the presence of a loaded firearm.
“Thanks to their quick thinking and professionalism that weapon, and the vital evidence it contained, was kept safe.”
She said Nugent’s conviction means he will now spend a long time behind bars and that Nottingham is safer as a result.
