Care worker was innocent victim of gunfight

4:55pm Tuesday 6th May 2008

A CARE worker was killed in the crossfire of a "Wild West" style gunfight between two teenagers, a court has heard.

Magda Pniewska died instantly just yards from her home in John Williams Close, New Cross, after she was shot in the head with a 9mm handgun on October 2 last year.

The 26-year-old Polish woman was caught in a dispute about money between two 17-year-olds - neither of whom can be named for legal reasons, a court heard.

One of the youths went on trial at the Old Bailey today (May 6) for Miss Pniewska's murder and for the attempted murder of the second teenager.

Police have been unable to gather enough evidence against the other youth to charge him.

Prosecuting, Brian Altman said: "She was killed instantly by a single bullet to the head.

"She hadn't been the intended target of that bullet, but in scenes reminiscent of the Wild West Magda was to become the innocent victim of a gunfight between two young men who were total strangers to her.

"She was simply in the wrong place, at the wrong time."

The court heard that when one youth pulled a gun and opened fire, the defendant allegedly also drew his weapon and shot repeatedly, before both fled.

The exchange was witnessed by several acquaintances of the defendant - but none of them saw Miss Pniewska being shot.

Before the gunfight the defendant had told a friend the other youth owed him money, the court was told.

Mr Altman said: "It was only after the exchange and flight of the two gunmen, that people realised an innocent passer-by had been shot and killed."

Prosecutors have accepted it is almost certain the defendant did not shoot Miss Pniewska, but say he is still responsible for her murder.

Mr Altman added: "He was party to the use of unlawful violence between himself and the other youth by means of the discharge of prohibited weapons with the intent to kill."

The youth, who was arrested four days after the shooting, denies murder, attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

He has admitted possession of a prohibited firearm.

The trial continues.