An Albanian man who was shot and struck with a sword during a frightening gang feud in Luton was on Friday, October 27, 2023, given a suspended sentence.
Andrea Kulla, 33, was involved in two of the three outbreaks of violence in Luton streets in what is thought to be a dispute over drugs.
Prosecutor Alex Krikler told Luton Crown Court that trouble began between two rival groups at around 5pm on April 29, 2020, at two other locations in the town.
The third confrontation took place at the junction of Duke Street and Hitchin Road, just north of the railway station at half past seven in the evening.
Mr Krikler said: “It was still light and people were going about their business.
“It was no doubt very frightening. One witness was in her home and ducked down as a shot was fired.”
The prosecutor said Kulla had arrived at the scene in a black BWM X5. A black BMW 3 series came to a sudden stop in front of that car.
Kulla got out and was armed with a pole. He swung it at Uran Tabaku, now 32, but missed and smashed the driver side window of the 3 series.
“Uran Tabaku got out a loaded hand gun, raised it and shot the defendant to the left of his chest,” said Mr Krikler. Kulla was also hit with a sword that lacerated his right hand.
Kulla was pulled into the X5 which left the scene at speed. He was taken to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital and was transferred to Papworth Hospital, where he underwent surgery to have the bullet removed. He had also surgery on his hand at Addenbrookes Hospital.
He was arrested on May 7, and answered no comment to police questions.
Judge Steven Evans asked if the case was about drugs. Mr Krikler said: “That is a perfectly proper inference that could be drawn.”
Kulla, of Alfriston Close, Luton, appeared for sentence having pleaded guilty to affray. He had four previous convictions, including two for possessing Class A drugs.
Defending, Jonathan Woodcock said Kulla worked as a builder and had been in the UK for 11 years. He said he had a cocaine habit that was now over.
Judge Evans said the violence had “left the populous terrified.”
Sentencing Kulla, the judge said: “Whether revenge or retaliation, you were not acting in self-defence.
“The victims were ordinary decent people going about their daily lives.
“None of you involved in this disgraceful incident cared a jot about those people.
“The public are sick and tired about these feuds being played out on our streets with increasingly serious weapons involved.”
The judge passed an 18 month jail sentence suspended for 2 years. He must complete 200 hours’ unpaid work, abide by a 3-month 10pm to 6am electron and carry out 15 day rehabilitation days.
He must also pay prosecution costs of £670.
Beds Boro Bulletin Oct 23
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