Gunman 'tried to kill policemen'

Carlton Sam has admitted firearms offences

A balaclava-clad gunman fired at three policemen as they tried to speak to him, the Old Bailey has heard.

Prosecutors said Carlton Sam, of Holloway, north London, opened fire when the officers stopped him in Manor House, north London, in March 2008.

Pcs Michael Carroll, Richard Cousins and Barry Leban had a "lucky" escape, the court was told.

The 24-year-old defendant, who has admitted firearms offences, denies three counts of attempted murder.

'Definitely aiming'

Three shots were fired at the officers when they stopped Sam in Myddleton Avenue to speak to him, Crispin Aylett QC, prosecuting, said.

Mr Aylett said: "The defendant, in broad daylight, brazenly fired a gun at three officers.

"It was a callous and shocking thing to do."

Without a moment's hesitation, he turned to Pc Cousins and fired a single shot at him Crispin Aylett QC

When Pcs Carroll and Cousins approached Sam he appeared nervous and pulled a balaclava over his head.

He aimed at Pc Carroll from 5m (16.4ft) away, the court heard.

Mr Aylett said: "As he did so, the defendant took aim and Pc Carroll stepped back. The defendant fired a single shot and missed.

"Without a moment's hesitation, he turned to Pc Cousins and fired a single shot at him."

The court heard Pc Carroll later told his colleagues that the gunman was "definitely aiming".

Sam also turned the firearm on to a police vehicle but did not open fire, the court heard.

He then ran off, stopping to fire at Pc Leban who was "lucky" to escape unharmed.

By the time officers caught up with Sam he had already dumped the gun nearby, the court heard.

Police found £700 on Sam, who would not say what he had been doing with a loaded gun.

The court heard that, after his arrest, he had said: "I am an animal. It's what animals do."

The trial continues.