Two brothers from Chadwell Heath who were part of a gang which shot loaded handguns through the windows of houses have been jailed for three and a half years.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard how the group of four – 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 in Dagenham “to intimidate people with whom they had a grievance”.

Scott Stokes, 20, and his younger brother Jason, 18, both of Rose Lane, Chadwell Heath, were each sentenced to three years and six months for firearms offences and violent disorder.

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.

A 16-year-old Dagenham boy was given 18 months for firearms offences and violent disorder, while Anne-Marie Madden, 25, of Woodward Road, Dagenham, was sentenced to three years for firearms offences, violent disorder and possession of drugs.

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.”