Four men have been jailed for over 60 years in connection with a terrifying gunfight that saw an Uzi open fire on 300 guests at a rave in East London.
Two partygoers were caught in the crossfire at the £20-a-ticket event at Rigg Approach, Leyton, in October 2017, described by an investigating officer as “effectively someone’s birthday party.”
Following a three-year investigation by the Met Police, four people have been sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court, while a further two await sentencing in February 2022.
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Kamal-Lorren Parrish
(Image: Metropolitan Police)
CCTV from around 5am on Saturday, October 28, 2017, shows the gunmen approaching the venue, while rave attendees continue dancing unaware.
Lights are dimmed and loud bangs are heard, after which the party guests try frantically to escape as two groups of gunmen began shooting each other.
Officers estimate at least 34 rounds from six firearms were discharged.
Two people were caught in the crossfire as the gunfight erupted outside the venue – a man in his 40s who received a gunshot to the leg; and a woman in her 20s who was stuck in her chest.
Shearane Thompson
(Image: Metropolitan Police)
Over the course of three years, officers used “hundreds of hours” of CCTV footage to investigate the shooting.
Detectives established the catalyst for the shooting was an ongoing dispute between Maitland and Parrish.
At least eight rounds were fired from the Uzi inside the hall, while other firearms including pistols were discharged in the venue.
Haramein Jelani Mohammed
(Image: Metropolitan Police)
“The CCTV from this offence, plays like a scene from a movie,” said Detective Inspector Matthew Webb, Senior Investigating Officer for the investigation.
“Unfortunately though, this was a real-life event that took place on our streets in London and it was by sheer luck that no further significant injuries were caused.
“The effect the criminal use of firearms has in our communities is not lost on us and I hope the sentences imposed send a strong message to those involved in firearms criminality. Your actions are reprehensible and we will seek to bring you to justice.”
Sinan Ozger
(Image: Metropolitan Police)
Speaking at the scene of the crime, DI Webb told MyLondon that despite the lack of significant injuries, the psychological effects on the victims were “untold”.
He added: “There is especially surrounding gun crime a reluctance to support investigations more so out of fear of repercussions.
“The rate of fire of the uzi is hundreds of rounds a minute. A weapon of that ilk has only been fired twice in London.
“It must have had an impact on how people going forward operated. It must put a fear in your mind.”
Three of the six firearms used in the attack have been recovered by officers, which Webb described as “a huge positive”.
“Those are three murder weapons taken off the streets of London,” he said.
Michael Lawrence
(Image: Metropolitan Police)
The following people have been sentenced:
- Getaway driver Shearine Maria Thompson, 42 has been sentenced to 11 years for conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of firearms with intent to endanger life.
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Sinan Ozger, 33, was handed a 21-year sentence for conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of firearms with intent to endanger life
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Michael Lawrence, 24, was sentenced to 15 years and six months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of firearms with intent to endanger life
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30-year-old Kamal Lorren Parrish, who wielded the Uzi, was given 16 years for conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of firearms with intent to endanger life
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Two men remain to be sentenced:
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Haramein Jelani Mohammed, 35, who also used an Uzi, was found guilty of GBH with intent and possession of firearms with intent to endanger life
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Jacob Joseph Maitland, 34, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life
Detective Inspector Matthew Webb, Senior Investigating Officer for the investigation
(Image: Metropolitan Police)
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