Man 'hunted down' victim and shot crossbow at him

A man who hunted down and shot a crossbow at his victim has been jailed for four and a half years.

Keiron Miller, 26, shot at TeeJay Caton in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, after the victim asked security to get him to leave a pub they were both in.

Cardiff Crown Court heard how the pair had “previous issues” and Miller had initially chased Mr Caton down the street, before getting into a car to follow him.

He was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after admitting attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, as well as 16 months for possession of an offensive weapon, which will run concurrently.

Judge Paul Hobson said the 26-year-old made a deliberate decision to “hunt him down” and shoot at his victim.

On 15 June 2024, Miller and Mr Caton were at a pub in Barry town centre.

When the victim spotted Miller, he spoke to security about getting him to leave because of a previous disagreement the pair had.

However, when Mr Caton then left at midnight with his friend, he noticed a male shouting and walking towards them aiming a crossbow.

The pair fled in the direction of Broad Street and stood by a closed shop on Island Road.

It was then that the pair noticed a white Audi A3 pull up with Miller inside.

The court heard how he leaned over the driver and shot the crossbow in his direction while he was standing in the street.

Prosecutor Byron Broadstock said it was only Mr Caton’s friend shouting at him that made him move and the arrow miss.

After police were called, the defendant was chased down into a playing field where a search by officers found a hammer, crossbow and four arrows hidden.

Defence barrister Hilary Roberts said Miller had a “prolonged background” with the victim and was “under the influence of drink and drugs” at the time, which the defendant believes led to a “complete lack of judgement”.

She added that Miller knew what he did was “utterly wrong” and he has since sought out help for substance abuse while in prison.

Judge Hobson in sentencing said that, had the arrow struck the victim, “the result could have been catastrophic”.

He said the idea of someone feeling comfortable using a crossbow as a weapon was “deeply troubling” and there was a “significant degree of premeditation” with Miller “pursuing the victim first on foot and then in a vehicle”.

Judge Hobson said: “This was clearly an act of revenge, relating to the grievance that you have and took place brazenly in the street where other people could have been caught up in the incident."

He added it was “purely a matter of chance” than no harm was caused.