A 16-year-old boy was one of four people who shot loaded handguns through the windows of houses in Dagenham, a court heard.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard today how the group – who were seen “laughing and sniggering” in court – committed two acts of violent disorder on Sunday, December 22, 2013.

Police said they shot at windows “to intimidate people with whom they had a grievance”.

They have now been caged for a total of more than a decade.

All the homes they targeted were occupied and had the lights on and curtains drawn.

The judge told the court it was only through “good fortune that serious injury had not been caused”, as they couldn’t have known whether anyone would be in the firing line.

After their trigger-happy parade, the gang threw their guns away from a car they were travelling in.

But they were arrested the same day and both guns were recovered at the scene. A balaclava and ammunition were also found in their car.

All four were convicted on Friday following a two-week trial.

Scott Stokes, 20, of Stone Close, Dagenham; his younger brother Jason, 18, of Rose Lane, Chadwell Heath; and Anne-Marie Madden, 25, of Woodward Road, Dagenham, were all sentenced to three years and two months for firearms offences and violent disorder.

Madden was also sentenced for possession of drugs.

A 16-year-old boy – who was 15 at the time – was given 18 months for firearms offences and violent disorder. The Post is unable to name him for legal reasons.

The Met’s Det Sgt Bev Williams said: “These criminals showed complete contempt for the law and the safety of anyone living at those addresses. At no point did any member of this group show remorse and, in court, they were seen laughing and sniggering.

“This sentence reflects all the hard work and dedication of Barking and Dagenham CID, as a whole, in bringing violent offenders to justice.”