Gang caged for 102 years after bloody revenge rampage: shotgun & machete attacks turn South London streets into war zone—vicious daylight shooting just yards from mum & child!

Hi and welcome to this Video Production News Sentencing Report.Hi and welcome to this Video Production News Sentencing Report.

A gang who orchestrated a violent retaliation using firearms and knives after their associate was stabbed have been sentenced to a combined total of over 102 years at the Central Criminal Court, the Old Bailey. The sentencing, which concluded on Friday, 18 October, followed a comprehensive investigation by Metropolitan Police detectives into the escalation of gang-related violence in Peckham earlier this year.

The defendants—Tyreke Smikle, 26, Kai Davis-Francis, 25, Duan Correa, 21, Shaquille Marsh, 26, Tyreece Quartey, 25, Malachi David Francis, 21, and Timothy Newton, 18—had plotted to carry out a revenge attack after an associate was stabbed on 7 May 2023.

Tyreke SmikleTyreke Smikle, 26, born 20 March 1998, of Rupack Street, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years and seven months. He was convicted of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm, two counts of wounding with intent, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of firearms, and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. Smikle was identified as the individual who fired multiple rounds during the attack.

The prosecution outlined how Smikle and Timothy Newton, born 30 October 2005, of Brackley Avenue, visited the hospital where their acquaintance was receiving treatment before securing weapons, including a loaded shotgun. CCTV evidence presented to the court showed the men meeting with the other defendants and preparing for the attack. The group, dressed in balaclavas, dispersed into three vehicles, including a stolen moped, and tracked down those they believed responsible for the earlier stabbing.

During the chase, Smikle fired a shotgun through the driver’s window of one vehicle before targeting a second car. The pursuit continued until the vehicle, attempting to escape, crashed and overturned. Smikle pursued a fleeing victim into a nearby garden and shot him in the leg at close range. Despite the seriousness of the attack, none of the victims sustained life-threatening injuries.

The remaining six defendants were sentenced as follows:

• Kai Davis-Francis, 25, Born 18 September 1999, of Arngask Road, was sentenced to 17 years and six months for conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

• Timothy Newton, 18, Born 5 October 2005, of Brackley Avenue, received nine years and six months for the same offences.

• Duan Correa, 21, Born 20 July 2003, of Nunhead Lane, was sentenced to 16 years for conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.

• Shaquille Marsh, 26, Born 19 January 1998, of Rainham South Road, received 14 years and six months for the same offence.

• Tyreece Quartey, 25, Born 11 August 1999, of Woodmill Street, was sentenced to 13 years for conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.

• Malachi David Francis, 21, Born 31 May 2003, of Ivydale Road, received 14 years and six months for conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.

The whole Gang were additionally issued Criminal Behaviour Orders, with Smikle’s order set indefinitely, while the others received fixed terms.

Detective Constable Luke Martinez, the investigating officer, told the court: “This group retaliated to violence with more violence, bringing a firearm and other weapons to the streets of London which could have seriously injured or killed someone. These shootings took place during daylight hours, with one occurring just metres away from a mother and her child. Today’s sentencing has taken dangerous individuals off the streets – I hope it serves as a stark warning to those seeking to threaten the safety of Londoners by brandishing such dangerous weapons.”

Officers recovered the shotgun used in the attack alongside a stash of Class A drugs, a stab-proof vest, burner phones, and a knife upon arresting Smikle.

In his sentencing remarks, the judge emphasized the severity of the gang’s actions, highlighting the “deliberate and premeditated use of lethal force” that could have led to fatalities. The judge underscored the need for lengthy custodial sentences, given the “threat posed to public safety and the rule of law” by such acts of gang violence.

Barristers for the defendants argued for mitigation, citing the defendants’ youth and claimed peer pressure as factors influencing their actions. However, the judge dismissed these arguments, affirming that the planned and coordinated nature of the attack warranted substantial punishment.

The Metropolitan Police noted the decline in firearms offences across London, reporting a record low in such crimes over the past fifteen years. They reaffirmed their commitment to removing illegal firearms from the streets, with more than 386 seized last year alone.

ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and SentencingACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and Sentencing

As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:

Under the UK legal system, the crimes for which the defendants were convicted include conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm (GBH), which carries a maximum life sentence, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, also punishable by life imprisonment.

Smikle’s charges for wounding with intent under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 allowed for the discretionary life sentence handed down. Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs is punishable by up to life imprisonment. The life sentence for Smikle reflects the court’s view of the serious danger posed by the coordinated use of firearms and the threat to public safety.

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.

Bénédict Tarot FreemanBénédict Tarot Freeman

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