Firearms Ringleaders Jailed After Deadly Pub Shooting Probe
An intense Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate investigation into Joe Daniels’ fatal shooting at a Folkestone pub has ended with multiple gun crime convictions—just not for his killers.
Two Men Cleared of Murder Face Heavy Firearms Charges
Joe Daniels, 58, was found dead with a gunshot wound at the Red Cow pub in Folkestone on 22 November 2017. While Eli Smith and Robin Ling were cleared of involvement in his death, both were arrested after police found converted firearms during the probe.
- Two converted blank pistols were seized from the pub, later linked to Smith and Ling through forensic tests.
- Smith’s home and car yielded items used for gun conversion and a homemade weapon.
- Ling admitted handling several weapons at Smith’s house.
Ling and Accomplices Nabbed in Revenge Gun Plot
Ling was also implicated in a separate April 2019 scheme with Charlie Anderson and Christian Algar. They obtained a semi-automatic 8mm pistol to seek revenge for a brutal attack on Algar, who suffered serious injuries requiring hospital treatment.
- Ling was spotted near Samuel Jameson’s home, where he allegedly got the firearm.
- Police caught Ling and Anderson dumping the weapon, wrapped in kitchen roll, after a car stop.
- Mobile messages revealed plans for violent assaults; Jameson’s DNA was on the gun.
- Police also found two illegal tasers at Jameson’s home.
Sentences Delivered at Maidstone Crown Court
- Eli Smith, 26: 10 years 8 months for firearm conversion, possession of prohibited weapons, and illegal ammo.
- Robin Ling, 27: 10 years 4 months for multiple firearms offences and conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm.
- Samuel Jameson, 26: 7 years 4 months for transferring prohibited weapons and taser possession.
- Charlie Anderson, 26: 5 years 4 months for conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm.
- Christian Algar, 37: 4 years 6 months for the same conspiracy charge.
Detective Chief Inspector Condemns Ruthless Plotters
“The tragic death of Mr Daniels remains unsolved, and our thoughts are with his family,” said Det Chief Inspector Chris Greenstreet.
“Smith and Ling have been eliminated from the murder inquiry, but their involvement with deadly firearms has ended in jail.”
“The revenge plot involving Ling, Anderson and Algar showed chilling intent to cause serious harm. That conspiracy was stopped just in time.”
While Joe Daniels’ killer is still on the loose, today’s verdicts send a stark warning to those who traffic deadly weapons and plot violent revenge.
