PICTURED: Killers who face 'lengthy' sentences for their part in drive-by shooting of Lewis Williams

Jack Parkes (above, left) and Joe Anderton were convicted by a jury at Sheffield Crown Court today of killing Mr Williams on Wath Road, Mexborough, on January 11 in what had been described as a "planned execution".

Parkes (21), of Arnold Crescent, Mexborough, and a 17-year-old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were convicted of murder following a trial that lasted six weeks.

Anderton (18), of Jubilee Road, Wheatley, Doncaster, and a 16-year-old boy were found guilty of manslaughter.

The court heard that Mr Williams was killed in a drive-by shooting, while he stood in the street in the middle of the afternoon.

Det Chief Insp James Axe, senior investigating officer, said: "Parkes, Anderton and the two boys met at a BP service station in Goldthorpe, before all getting into a light blue Jaguar together.

“As well as the defendants, there was a gun in that car.

"The car pulled away just after 4pm and was driven to Wath Road, Mexborough.

“The car was driven past Lewis once, before being turned around and doubling back.

"It was on that second drive past that a shot was fired by the 17-year-old boy – hitting Lewis in the neck.”

When police arrived at the scene, they found Mr Williams with serious injuries.

Despite the best efforts of both members of the public and paramedics, he was pronounced dead a short time later.

A post-mortem examination revealed he had died as a result of a gunshot wound to the neck and chest.

Mr Axe said: "After the shooting, the Jaguar sped off.

"CCTV shows it being parked by garages in Bolton-upon-Dearne at 4.30pm, and five males fleeing the vehicle.

"Just after 6pm, the car was set alight.”

The court heard that when interviewed after his arrest, the 17-year-old boy had denied having anything to do with the shooting, and the 16-year-old boy had failed to answer any questions put to him.

Parkes provided no comment, except to say: “I didn’t kill that kid.”

Anderton gave police a prepared statement covering his whereabouts on January 10, then declined to answer further questions.

Following today’s verdict, all four were remanded into custody to be sentenced on October 29.

Mr Axe: “Firstly, I would like to offer my condolences to Lewis’s family as these proceedings will undoubtedly have been both difficult and distressing for them.

“Throughout this trial, the 17-year-old boy has claimed that he didn’t intend to kill Lewis that day.

"He has maintained his story that he thought the improvised firearm was only capable of discharging an empty shotgun cartridge and making a loud bang. The jury has seen through that lie.

“I also want to recognise the dedication of the many officers who have been working tirelessly on this case for the last nine months, to ensure Lewis’s killers have been brought to justice.”