Two Bristol men jailed after Cardiff letterbox shooting

A 15-year-old boy was left with multiple shotgun wounds after being blasted through the letterbox of a house in Cardiff – and today the two men responsible have been locked up for a combined 19 years.

The shocking attack took place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, when Efekan Karahan, 18, fired a 12-bore shotgun through the front door of the property while young children were inside. The victim suffered injuries to both lower legs, but was saved from more serious harm by an internal letterbox guard that absorbed much of the blast’s force.

The investigation

Detectives from South Wales Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team quickly launched a major inquiry, tracing the attack back to Karahan and his associate Ashley Corbin, 21, both from Bristol. The pair were arrested nine days later on June 16 in their home city.

Key evidence

Officers uncovered a wealth of digital evidence on the pair’s mobile phones, including messages, voice notes, and critically a video of the shooting filmed by Corbin himself. A stolen grey Volkswagen Golf used during the attack was later recovered in Newport, with GPS data mapping the route between Bristol and Cardiff on the day of the incident. Faced with the overwhelming evidence, both men entered guilty pleas at court.

The charges

Karahan admitted possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, possessing a loaded shotgun in a public place, and wounding / inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent.

Corbin admitted possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possessing a loaded shotgun in a public place, and wounding / inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent.

Sentencing

At Newport Crown Court today, Karahan was jailed for nine years and ten months, while Corbin received a nine-year sentence.

The motive behind the shooting remains unknown.

Police response ⚖️

Senior Investigation Officer Detective Superintendent Mark O’Shea, from South Wales Police, said: “This was a reckless act of violence at a house where young children were present.

“When Karahan shot through the letterbox, he had complete disregard for who might have been behind the door. It was extremely fortunate that there was a letterbox guard inside the property which took the force of the pellets.

“The use of firearms in South Wales is extremely rare. But when it does happen, as Corbin and Karahan have found out, we will relentlessly pursue those responsible using all our detective capability.

“This investigation should serve as a warning to anyone contemplating bringing guns onto our streets. South Wales Police will catch you and we will put you before the courts.”

Det Supt O’Shea added: “I hope the sentences handed down to these two individuals sends a clear message to those who are intent on bringing this sort of violence to our streets.

“We will pursue you with everything at our disposal and you will go to jail.

“We would like to thank our community in Cardiff for providing vital information and our colleagues in Avon and Somerset Police for their support which was crucial to the investigation.”