Seven Years Behind Bars for Nightclub Gunman
A Watford gunman who fired four shots outside a nightclub has been slapped with a seven-year jail sentence.
Tense Stand-Off at Watford Nightclub
Elliot Simon, 28, from Stanmore, initially tried to play peacemaker during a dispute with three men after their car blocked a service road near Beechen Grove. But things turned deadly when he pulled out a handgun and fired.
Simon aimed his weapon at a silver Vauxhall Corsa, hitting the vehicle twice, St Albans Crown Court heard.
Chaos After Pryzm Club Closing Time
- The victim and two friends left Pryzm nightclub just after 3am on December 8, 2018.
- They stopped briefly with hazard lights on to search for a phone.
- Simon and accomplice Raydun Celestine, 25, were leaving the club at the same time with female friends.
- Celestine’s Chevrolet was blocked by the silver Corsa, sparking an aggressive confrontation.
Prosecutor Charles Evans said Celestine shouted threats and swore at the driver, vowing to rob him. Simon stepped in, trying to calm the scene and pull Celestine back.
Shots Fired—Close Call for Victim
Despite attempts to defuse the situation, Simon, under the influence of drink and drugs, whipped out a small black handgun. He fired twice near the driver’s feet. The startled men ran off but as the victim drove away, Simon fired two more shots.
One bullet ended up embedded in the driver’s seat, mere inches from potentially fatally wounding the man.
Criminal Past Catches Up
Simon was arrested days later, while Celestine turned himself in. Simon pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear and possession of cocaine. He was also breaching a suspended sentence for cannabis possession.
Back in 2011, Simon served 30 months for a string of five robberies. Celestine admitted affray and has prior convictions for going equipped and cannabis possession.
Judge’s Warning on Gun Violence
“Far too many people in this country have been killed or seriously injured by guns. This was a real gun with real bullets. Your intention was to terrify that man and his friends,” said Judge Philip Grey. “The bullet recovered was just inches from hitting the victim. You came within a very short distance from taking a man’s life.”
Sentence Delivered
Simon was sentenced to seven years in prison. Additionally, he received an 18-month community order requiring 120 hours of unpaid work and attendance at 30 rehabilitation sessions.
