A gunman from Uxbridge has been jailed for life.

Bernard Pillay of Campion Close had admitted blasting Atif Ali in the leg with a sawn-off shotgun in a contract ‘hit’ paid for by the victim’s love rival.

The attack on Monday, May 20, 2013, left Mr Ali with severe injuries.

Pillay, 41, who denied conspiracy to murder, was nonetheless convicted by the jury at Luton Crown Court. The court heard he already had convictions for causing grievous bodily harm to two police officers.

During the trial, he had caused mirth with his use of Cockney rhyming slang, not least the term ‘Scotch’ – to signify ‘Scotch egg’ or leg – where he would eventually shoot Mr Ali.

Judge Michael Kay QC told Pillay he had given evidence playing the part of a ‘cardboard cut out East End thug.’ But he said what he did was ‘the barbaric act of a heartless, immoral thug.’

Mark O’Neill, 41, of Lansbury Drive, Hayes, who drove Pillay to Luton where the attack took place, was cleared of the conspiracy charge.

Shahzad Mahroof, 28, who paid Pillay for the shooting, was also jailed for life.

He must serve a minimum term of 15 years and Pillay 17 years.

Sabrina Moss killers found guilty at Old Bailey, one week before what would have been her 25th birthday