Sedat Meriç & Oktay Ayanoğlu
A man who opened fire at a north London pool hall before turning his gun on police officers has been jailed for fifteen years.
Sedat Meriç, 25, opened fire on the officers from the National Crime Agency in May last year outside a Turkish café in West Green, near Harringay.
The officers were in the area to warn a potential victim of a threat to his life.
While in the café, where they could not find the man, the officers Meriç approach the West Green Pool Bar – in the company of Ayanoğlu – and fire three shots into the venue.
When officers identified themselves, Meriç’s reacted by turning and firing in their direction, before running off and shooting at the pursuing officer eight times, who then returned fire.
But after realising he had run out of ammunition, Meriç discarded his firearm on the pavement and subsequently gave himself up to the NCA officers.
Ayanoğlu was arrested running from the scene.
Meriç was sentenced on Friday at the Old Bailey to 15 years for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life; and six years for possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear. Both sentences to run concurrent.
His accomplice, 22-year-old Oktay Ayanoğlu, was jailed for 12 years for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
Both were acquitted of attempted murder.
Detective Inspector Shaun Fitzgerald, from the Trident Gang Command, said: “Meriç went out that evening intent on causing fear and intimidation and with no regard for who may have got caught up in the crossfire.
“Shooting at officers of the law highlights his complete disregard. I commend the officers from the National Crime Agency for their bravery in the face of an armed man. It is sheer luck that no one was injured as a result of this incident and it highlights the inherent dangers present when carrying a gun.”
