Jail for Ismail Abdi and Mohamed Salad after shooting David Nairn in case of mistaken identity

A Melbourne-based Australian champion dragon boat racer was shot in the leg from close range outside his Middle Park home in a case of mistaken identity.

David Nairn leaves the County Court alongside his wife Dr Catherine Urie and her daughter Claire Barnier after the sentencing of Ismail Abdi and Mohamed Salad.

A man who shot an Australian champion dragon boat racer in the leg outside his Middle Park home in a case of mistaken identity has been sent to jail.

Ismail Abdi, 24, shot retired research engineer David Nairn at close range after the latter answered a knock at his door about 7.50pm on August 17, 2023.

Mr Nairn’s wife Catherine Urie, a GP, and her daughter Claire Barnier were at home and called an ambulance.

A second person, 27-year-old Mohamed Salad, was waiting in the car for Abdi while the shooting took place.

Both men pleaded guilty last week to a charge of intentionally causing injury and Salad also admitted to charges of possession of a firearm and possession of methamphetamine.

David Nairn was shot outside his Middle Park home after he stepped out of his doorway.

On Tuesday, the pair faced the County Court for sentencing.

Abdi will spend three years and three months in jail, while Salad copped 434 days, followed by a 15 month community corrections order.

Salad will be eligible for release in a month, given he’s already served 404 days in pre-sentence detention.

Blood stains of David Nairn who was shot in the leg after he came to answer a door bell at his Middle Park home.

Outside court, Mr Nairn thanked the police and medical staff, saying now that the court process had come to an end, he wanted to move on with his life.

Judge Nola Karapanagiotidis said a completely innocent man was shot in a suburban street which would have a significant ongoing impact on the victim.

She said Abdi was stabbed and someone told him that the person who allegedly attacked him lived at the house occupied by Mr Nairn.

Abdi told a psychologist “I wish nothing but the best for him and I am very sorry” while Salad also regretted his actions, Judge Karapanagiotidis said.

Abdi will be eligible for parole in two years.