A DETECTIVE has admitted police never suspected a couple could have been killed before they were gunned down in a revenge attack.

Detective Inspector Tony Webster told an inquest into the deaths of John and Joan Stirland that officers were not entirely surprised shots were fired at the couple's home in Carlton, Nottingham, after Mrs Stirland's son Michael O'Brien was convicted of the murder of Marvyn Bradshaw.

But officers did not believe Gunn's criminal network was capable of tracking the couple down to Trusthorpe Lincolnshire, where they had relocated, never mind murdering them.

He said: "It was way beyond anything in my experience and that of other senior officers. Taking it to that degree is something I couldn't have foreseen."

Marvyn Bradshaw was a friend of Jamie Gunn, the nephew of Bestwood crime boss Colin Gunn. Gunn was eventually convicted of conspiracy to murder the Stirlands.

Det Insp Webster was called after the shots were fired at the Stirland's Carlton home. No-one was hurt, but the couple decided to relocate to Trusthorpe in Lincolnshire as a result of the shots being fired.

Earlier in the day, a retired policeman, identified only as Officer C, said the murder conspiracy was a "complete departure" from the usual behaviour of Gunn and his associates. Officer C said Gunn usually "sought out and injured those people who were involved in organised crime".

Only a few officers were aware the Stirlands had decided to move to Lincolnshire and Officer C said they were advised not to as Gunn had contacts in the county and there was a danger of a reprisal attack.

On August 2, 2004, Jamie Gunn died, and the Stirlands were again told by police they were in danger.

Six days later the couple were found dead at their home in Trusthorpe, Lincolnshire.

marcus.boocock@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk