IMTIAZ Hussain -- who was known as "Gunshot" to his school pals -- was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2001 for the 'execution-style' killing of Iain McKay.

The jury at his trial at Preston Crown Court heard how Mr McKay, a small time drug dealer and bootlegger, had been taken to a remote car park in Netherwood Road, Burnley, and blasted in the back of the head with a shotgun in September 2000.

At some stage 31-year-old Mr McKay, who was single, and of Williams Road, Burnley, had been forced to kneel on the ground with his hands crossed over his chest, a pose used in execution style killings.

At its height around 100 officers were involved in the long and detailed investigation which continued long after Hussain was charged and other people were arrested and released for lack of evidence, even after his arrest.

Hussain denied murder, but the jury heard how Mr McKay's blood was found on his boots and in a Honda car used by him.

A footprint was also found at the scene which matched Hussain's boots.

They also heard how a single shotgun pellet identical in composition and of the same size as pellets recovered from Mr McKay's body was found in a pocket of combat trousers which Hussain was wearing that night.

The court heard how Hussain was in debt, owing £1,300 to his girlfriend's mother and between £1,200 and £1,600 to Mr McKay.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Kellett, one of the officers who led the police inquiry, described Imtiaz Hussain as "very intelligent, but ruthless".

He also revealed that Hussain clearly had a fascination for firearms.

He was known at Barden High School and when he was in the air cadets as "Gunshot".

Police said they had an open mind on how many people there were at the killing scene when Mr McKay was shot.

Passing sentence Mr Justice Kay told Hussain it would be a "substantial period of time" before he was considered for release.

He said: "I do not believe for one moment that you were coerced into this, and I believe that you knew others who were there. The sentence for murder is fixed by law and is one of life."

Hussain's step brother, Aftab Hussain, was also sentenced to eight months imprisonment after pleading guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice by disposing of his brother's Honda car, used on the night of the killing.