Shots hurt nightclub boss and bouncers

At least five shots were fired from two Russian-made pistols at Tropical Harmony in Bilston High Street when a group tried unsuccessfully to force their way in without paying or being searched, it was said.

Prosecutor David Mason told Wolverhampton Crown Court: "They suffered injuries, some very serious, and it is a miracle that nobody was killed because the weapons used were certainly lethal."

CCTV played to the jury showed two unknown gunmen firing outside the club after being turned away around 3.15am on September 29 last year.

Jordan McDonald, aged 18, from Oldacre Drive, Handsworth, and 21-year-old Dwayne Hare, of Whitehouse Drive, Smethwick, both deny two charges of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, two of possessing a prohibited firearm, one of possessing a firearm or imitation firearm to cause fear of violence and violent disorder.

Licencee Derek Chambers, whose nickname was given in court as Yardie Paul, was hit in the neck while his brother Howard had his left arm and ankle shattered by 9mm bullets.

Trinnett Dunckley, a member of the door staff, was wounded in the buttocks, the court was told.

"The injuries left lasting damage both mentally and physically," said Mr Mason: "They feel lucky that they are still alive and nobody else was killed."

Spent cartridges found at the scene showed that Baikal self-loading starter pistols specially adapted to fire bullets had been used.

One of the group, named as Hare, pointed a gun at the face or neck of Howard Chambers, although he later maintained that he was only holding a mobile phone in the incident captured on CCTV, the jury heard.

He was "rounding up the troops" during the failed bid by the whole group to burst into the club, continued Mr Mason.

CCTV filmed both defendants at the scene and Derek Chambers was prompted to arm himself with a machete to drive away the gang. They admitted being there but denied doing anything illegal.

The trial continues.