A 17-year-old gang member, Joshua Alexander, has been sentenced to 29 years in prison for the murder of Lianne Gordon, a 42-year-old mother, who was shot through the front door of her home in Hackney while protecting her children. The tragic incident occurred on December 5, 2023, during a premeditated attack by Alexander, a member of Hackney’s Pempury gang, targeting rivals.
The Incident
Alexander, who was already barred from the area due to previous violent offences, opened fire at Gordon’s home on Vine Close. Ms. Gordon’s children were inside the house at the time. Her daughter ran outside screaming, alerting neighbors to the tragedy. The victim, gravely injured, was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to the hospital.
Alexander was involved in an escalating gang conflict, previously attempting to murder a rival at Hackney train station in March 2023. Despite being out on bail, he repeatedly returned to the area armed with firearms.
Callous Behavior
Evidence presented during the trial included rap lyrics written by Alexander while in custody, in which he boasted about the killing, claiming, “Vine Close is looking all messy.” The court heard how Alexander had shown no remorse for his actions.
Judge David Aubrey KC described the attack as “a determined mission to execute members of a rival gang,” with Ms. Gordon tragically caught in the crossfire.
Impact on the Family
Ms. Gordon’s death has devastated her family. Her mother, Ella Leatham, expressed her grief and anger in a victim impact statement, calling for the harshest possible punishment. “There is no justice that can bring my daughter back,” she said.
Her twin sister, Louise, described her as “a force of nature” whose death had left an irreparable void. “This gun crime has ripped a hole in my family,” she said, adding that the trauma has left her feeling as though she is “underwater most days.”
The Sentencing
Judge Aubrey sentenced Alexander to 29 years in prison, highlighting his lack of remorse and the devastating consequences of his actions. Family members in the courtroom expressed relief and satisfaction at the sentencing, with some cheering and others shouting, “rot in hell.”
Alexander must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for release. His young age at the time of the crime did not prevent the judge from naming him, citing the severity of the offence and public interest.
Community Reaction
The case has reignited concerns about gang violence and gun crime in London, with community leaders calling for increased efforts to tackle gang-related activity and provide support to at-risk youth.
Ms. Gordon’s family continues to mourn the loss of a beloved mother, sister, and friend, as they hope her story serves as a wake-up call to address the root causes of such violence.
