Gunman jailed for murder of Sunderland dad appeals against conviction

Michael McDougall was convicted of the murder of Tipu Sultan by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court last month.

The 32-year-old, from Millfield, was shot dead at his business, the Herbs & Spice Kitchen in South Shields, last April.

McDougall, 47, of Hylton Avenue, South Shields, was found guilty of murder and two charges of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Now McDougall has submitted an appeal against his conviction.

Solicitor Kevin Smallcombe told the Echo an appeal had been submitted last week and a decision was expected shortly.

“I am able to confirm an appeal has been lodged to the Court of Appeal through Newcastle,” he said.

“The procedure involves seeking permission for a single judge to proceed to a full hearing.

“This follows advice from senior counsel and relates to concerns regarding aspects of the conviction.”

Remorseless Michael McDougall joked from the dock as his life term was passed, asking if his sentence could be suspended for 12 months.

Mrs Justice Thirlwall told the killer, who shook his head at the jury who convicted him: “In early April last year you got hold of a sawn-off shotgun, you were going to use it to kill a man.

“What reason you had for that, I don’t know, I doubt you will ever say. You planned the killing and recruited Mullen as your getaway driver.

“He had no prospect of withstanding that lethal attack. He died at the scene. His father witnessed his killing.

“No words can adequately describe the terror and horror he experienced.”

The judge said McDougall will be an old man when he is eligible for release but added: “Whether you are ever released is a matter for the parole board.”

McDougall had been taken to and from the scene by getaway driver Michael Mullen, on the back of a motorbike.

Mullen, of Hawthorne Avenue, South Shields, was cleared of murder but was jailed for 12 years for manslaughter.