Man gets life for shooting couple

Cock tried to kill himself after shooting the Hustler family

A man from Cornwall has been jailed for shooting the parents of his ex-girlfriend, killing her father and wounding her mother.

Jonathan Cock, 24, pleaded guilty at Truro Crown Court to murdering Adam Hustler, 41, who he shot at Mr Hustler's home last September.

He must serve at least 25 years before being considered for parole.

Cock was also sentenced to at least four years, concurrently, for wounding Mr Hustler's wife, Amanda, with intent.

Cock met Miss Hustler when he got a job at the family drainage company where she also worked.

The court heard that Cock, who served for four years in the RAF, believed Danielle Hustler ended their relationship after pressure from her parents.

Suicide attempt

He went to their home in Porth Kea, near Truro, on 20 September 2008.

All the family were in the house at the time of the attack, including Miss Hustler's sister, Abigail, who was celebrating her 16th birthday. She escaped uninjured.

Sarah Munro, QC, prosecuting, said he took with him a .22 calibre rifle with 15 rounds of ammunition stolen from his father.

He also took a suicide note and two cards: one for if he and Miss Hustler decided to keep the relationship going and one for if they did not.

He shot Mr and Mrs Hustler on the doorstep before firing shots into the house, one of which stuck Miss Hustler in the arm. Mrs Hustler, 40, survived despite being shot twice in the back.

Ms Munro said Cock then turned the gun on himself and fired but the shot did not kill him. He managed to drive home and was arrested the next day.

Amanda Hustler survived the attack but her husband died in hospital

The court was told that, due to the damage to his brain from the failed suicide attempt, he has never had any recollection of the attack.

Cock, of Newbridge, Penzance, was given an indeterminate sentence for public protection, with a recommendation of at least four years, to be served concurrently, for wounding Mrs Hustler.

He was also given an indeterminate sentence for public protection, with a recommendation of at least two-and-a-half years, to be served concurrently, for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Mr Justice Royce said: "The carnage you caused that night was chilling, terrible and tragic.

"Its effects on the Hustler family could not have been more devastating."

After sentencing, the senior investigating officer, Det Supt Michele Slevin, said: "These were brutal crimes which led to the death of an innocent man who was a loving family man.

'Distressing time'

"The terrible events of 20 September 2008 will without doubt live with Mr Hustler's family for the rest of their lives and our thoughts today are with them at this most difficult and sensitive time."

The Hustler family said in statement: "The family very much appreciates the professional services of the police and the legal system in dealing with this matter.

"It is a distressing time for the family as it brings back to mind details of the tragedy, and they have asked that we respect their privacy as they continue to cope with their grief.

"They would like to thank their neighbours and friends for their continued messages of support.

"Their faith in God and his power to put things right is a source of great comfort to them at this time."