TWO teenage boys have been jailed for their involvement in a fatal shooting.

John Pordage, 34, was shot in the chest at a BP garage in Great Baddow in August last year.

Mr Pordage, who grew up in South Woodham Ferrers, died a few hours later in hospital.

Two teenagers have been on trial at Chelmsford Crown Court for their involvement in the shooting.

They were both jailed on Friday.

Saul Stanley, 18, was handed a five-year prison sentence for perverting the course of justice and a string of firearm offences.

A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was given an eight-month detention training order for perverting the course of justice and handling stolen goods.

The 16-year-old was earlier cleared of murder during the trial, which lasted for four weeks.

For perverting the course of justice, Stanley was handed 18 months in prison, five years in prison for the two firearms offences, and for the possession of the ammunition he was given six months, all of which will run concurrently.

One of Stanley’s charges relates to burning evidence in Heybridge Close, Maldon, a few hours after the shooting.

Brentwood Live:

The burnt area in Heybridge Close, Maldon

Speaking after today’s court hearing, Mr Pordage’s mother Sue Wilson, said: “I am truly broken from the events of August 5 when my son’s life was tragically taken away when he was only 34-years-old.

“Since that day I have been constantly searching for reason or motive, which I cannot find.

“He was taken from me in the most senseless and cruel way.

“John had been smiling and talking when he was attacked and within a few minutes he was lying wounded on the floor.

“John died as a result of a cruel and senseless act and there will never be any justice for him until someone is found responsible for his death.”

John’s sister Teri Pordage said her brother’s death has had a lasting effect on her six-year-old son, Josef.

She said: “It’s heart-breaking to see and feel his pain, as well as my own grief.

“When I found out the news about my brother my whole life fell apart.

“My life will truly never be the same. It’s not just John that was killed, part of me was too.”

Brentwood Live:

Detectives are still keen to trace Bradley Blundell, 18, from Chelmsford, in connection with the investigation into Mr Pordage’s death.

A reward of up to £10,000 is being offered via the Crimestoppers charity for information leading to his arrest.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Martin Pasmore, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “My thoughts are very much with John’s family and friends at this time.

“Bradley Blundell remains outstanding and I am determined to find him and bring him to trial.

“We will never give up searching for him and we are liaising with the National Crime Agency and colleagues abroad to locate him.

“We also have a European Arrest Warrant in place and there is a reward via the Crimestoppers charity for up to £10,000 for information leading to his arrest.

“I appeal to Bradley to give himself up.”

“He will face trial. It is very much in everyone’s interest to do that sooner rather than later."

Detectives have received information to say he may be using Ibiza as a place to hide, although it is not known where he is at present.

Anyone with information can call 999 or the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

People must contact Crimestoppers to be eligible for the reward.