Three men have been jailed for their part in the shooting of a man at point blank range outside a bar.
During the early hours of November 5 last year a 22-year-old man was shot in the face at close range after a fight broke out in Muswell Hill Broadway.
The victim was taken to hospital for treatment and has since been discharged.
Last Thursday Ramel Francis, 22, of Station Road, Forest Gate, was sentenced at the Old Bailey to 20 years’ imprisonment for attempted murder and 15 years’ for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
He was found guilty after a trial at the same court concluded on June 7. Both sentences will run concurrently.
Two other men were sentenced at the same court on Thursday having been found guilty on June 7 of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
Aaron Small, 25, of Cranwich Road, Hackney, was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment, and Nana Nyanor, 25 of Bouverie Road, Hackney, was sentenced to seven years.
On the night of the shooting, the court heard that the three defendants and the victim had been at a private party at the Socialite Bar when the fight started.
The brawl spilled onto the street with Francis discharging a number of rounds straight at the victim with one hitting his right cheek and lodging in his spine.
Officers identified and arrested all three defendants who remained silent during police interviews.
Det con Bryan Sullivan said: “This was a shocking act of violence committed against an unsuspecting and unarmed victim. In addition to attempting to end the life of one man, Francis acted with complete disregard for public safety.
“Small and Nyanor, in some misguided sense of loyalty to the victim also brandished a loaded firearm. Thankfully, the gun did not fire and nobody was injured as a result.”
Det Sgt Mark Attridge said: “Our message to those who carry firearms on the streets of the capital is quite clear: we will be relentless in our efforts to investigate firearms offences and will use the full force of the law to prosecute anyone who chooses to endanger communities by carrying these weapons.
“Those convicted can expect a substantial prison sentence.”
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