A FATHER of nine claims he could not have been the driver in a drive-by shooting – because he is blind.

Prosecutors allege Keeble Thompson, 35, was behind the wheel of a car from which shots were fired at Matthew's Unisex Barber in Portland Road, South Norwood at around 7.30pm on January 2.

A bystander was injured by shards of glass after shots smashed a window .

At Croydon Crown Court on Friday, Peter Bonham, prosecuting, described the incident as a "gangster style action of people shooting across the street".

He added: "It is an extremely serious offence and if convicted there is possibility of a lengthy custodial sentence."

Thompson, of Layard Road in Thornton Heath, who entered the dock with the aid of a white cane, is charged with possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, careless driving and driving with no insurance or licence.

Nicholas Doran, defending, said: "Mr Thompson denies these offences and denied them in interview. I have a letter dated October 29, 2008, which confirms that Mr Thompson is registered blind and can't see and can't drive and would not be driving a vehicle with some people pointing guns out of it.

"He only sees dark shapes. When I was in the cells with him he couldn't make out my face.

"In 2008 he woke up and couldn't see due to nerve damage. He woke up one day blind. It is an extremely rare condition."

The court heard Jamaican-born Thompson has lived in the UK since 2000.

Magistrate Victoria Watkins refused Thompson bail.