Gun Plotters Locked Up for 15 Years After Whitstable Shooting
Barry Chambers and Andrew Williams have been handed hefty jail sentences, totaling over 15 years, for conspiring to shoot a man in a Whitstable field. The violent attack erupted from a bitter money dispute.
Violent Clash at Westmeads Recreation Ground
The assault took place on 7 July 2019 at Westmeads Recreation Ground. Chambers, 23, and Williams, 53, confronted a man in his 20s after a long-standing row over money. The victim tried to flee but was shot in the back of the leg with an antique handgun.
CCTV footage later showed the pair entering the park, with Williams carrying the weapon, before fleeing the scene and jumping into a vehicle.
Confessions and Sentences
- Williams, homeless and 53, admitted conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) and firearm possession. He was sentenced to 8 years and 6 months, plus 2 years on licence.
- Chambers denied conspiracy charges but was found guilty after trial. He received 7 years in jail, with an additional 2 years on licence.
- A teenage boy present during the attack was cleared of involvement.
Williams turned himself in at canterbury/" title="Canterbury" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Canterbury Police Station just two days after the shooting, revealing he’d hidden the gun wrapped in socks in bushes near Herne Bay. Chambers surrendered nine days later.
Police Praise Swift Justice
“The victim was subjected to a traumatic ordeal, and it is only down to chance that his injuries did not leave him severely disabled,” said Detective Sergeant Jason Booth. “I am pleased justice has been secured and these dangerous offenders are now behind bars, unable to harm the public.”
