Masked gunman who fired three bullets at shopper before fist-fight in London convenience store is jailed for six years

A masked gunman who fired three shots at a man in a north London corner shop has been jailed for six years and three months. Mustafa Bolat, 29, pulled out a self-loading 9mm pistol and opened fire on Ali Unlu at a convenience store in Wood Green, north London, after he had argued with the shooter's family.One of the shots was fired while the barrel was just inches away from Mr Unlu's head, but miraculously all three bullets missed the victim.The incident was caught on the corner shop's CCTV, with Mr Unlu seen turning away moments before Bolat opens fire.The victim then fights back, with the pair seen grappling with each other, before ending up sprawling against an open drinks fridge as baskets of fruit are sent flying.Bolat was arrested and accused of attempted murder, but was cleared by a jury after claiming he was 'just trying to scare' the victim. He was also cleared of possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life.Bolat told the court he did not realise the weapon he held was a 'real lethal killing machine' and claimed that CCTV footage shows he had previous opportunities to kill Mr Unlu if that was his intention. He admitted possession of a firearm to cause fear of violence, and on Friday, November 6, was jailed at The Old Bailey in London. Mustafa Bolat has been sentenced to six years and three months after he opened fire at a corner shop in Wood Green, north London Mr Unlu bravely fought back as the two men sprawled against the open drinks fridge and sent baskets of fruit flying across the shop floorThe CCTV footage played in court shows Bolat walking into the shop in March and firing three shots before Mr Unlu wrestled him against the fridge shelves.The prosecutor Nicholas Alexander said: 'Bolat gets up and points the gun towards Unlu, who instinctively puts his right arm out and pushes up Bolat's left arm holding the gun.'The two continue to grapple with one another, falling into the refrigerated cabinet and then off towards the bottom of the screen.'The shooter can then be seen calmly leaving the shop as the victim throws a bottle in his direction. Mr Alexander added: 'As you can imagine, there were a number of calls to 999 by people reporting a shooting at WG Express.'Bolat, of Tottenham, told the jury: 'I am not a monster, I am not an angel, I make mistakes like everyone else.'I was stupid to commit a serious crime. I am not discrediting the crime I have committed, I am just making sure the jury is aware that I am not a killer.'The gunman has a previous conviction for grievous bodily harm relating to a knife attack on July 14, 2017. Three shots were fired by Bolat at the convenience store in Wood Green, north London Bolat admitted possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence but he was cleared by an Old Bailey jury of attempted murderCross examining Bolat, the prosecutor said: 'That was an incident when you were travelling in a car, and there was a car in front of you, and during the course of that incident you had in your possession a kitchen knife.'You exited your vehicle and reached through the open window of the vehicle in front of you, and you brandished that knife towards the driver of that vehicle.'As a result, the driver of that vehicle sustained two injuries to his leg and wrist. So you are somebody who is capable of using a weapon.'Bolat was arrested driving in his car despite the fact he has been banned from the road.He was in breach of a 12-month sentence suspended for two years for dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen.In a letter to the judge the convicted criminal expressed remorse and claimed he now wants to live a 'law abiding life'. Judge Simon Mayo rejected Bolat's claim that he did not know the gun actually worked.'I am sure you knew it was a functioning firearm,' the judge said.'You entered the shop, you cocked the firearm and pointed it towards Mr Unlu.'A violent struggle ensued during which it was fired repeatedly.'The consequences could easily have been catastrophic. It was largely a matter of chance that no one was killed or seriously injured.'You deliberately introduced a loaded firearm into a conflict and that someone might be killed or seriously injured was obvious.'The purpose of taking that firearm into the premises was to intimidate and terrify.'