Patten's son-in-law jailed over shooting

A son-in-law of Hong Kong's last governor, Chris Patten, was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in a terrifying shooting at an Indian restaurant in west London last year, the Daily Mail newspaper reported.

Elton Charles, 51, who was the getaway driver during the shooting, is married to Patten's middle daughter, Laura. He was sentenced alongside co-conspirators Nicholas Grant, 46, and Lee Morgan, 42.

At Kingston Crown Court, each of the three men received a five-year prison term as they were convicted of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, the report said.

Nathaniel St Aimie, 48, recruited his half-brother Charles, as part of a plot to terrorize the boss at the PBK restaurant in Greenford on September 6 last year.

The court showed CCTV video footage of a hooded gunman stepping out of the van driven by Charles. The individual then approached the restaurant, opening fire at approximately 9.30pm.

St Aimie was given six years and three months in prison after he admitted to the same charge.

Although no diners at the restaurant were injured, Judge Jonathan Davies was "moved" after watching parents protect their children from the hail of bullets.

The trio were convicted last month following a six-week trial after the jury had deliberated for seven hours.

Members of the defendants' families gasped as the guilty verdicts were returned, while Laura held her head in her hands and wept, the Daily Mail said.

"You all played an important part in what happened and Mr St Aimie, I am satisfied, and you haven't denied it, you were the organizer of the shooting and played a leading role," the judge said.

Directing his comments towards Charles, the judge said, "I reject [the claim that your involvement was] simply a last-minute decision."

He added that it was an offense with significant planning. "I'm sure your children do need you but the reality is your conduct means the court has no choice but to pass a custodial sentence."