London Gunman Jailed After Soho Street Shooting
Three men have been locked up following a dramatic gangland shooting in Soho that nearly claimed a young man’s life. Woolwich Crown Court handed down tough sentences on Wednesday, 14 April, after a high-stakes investigation uncovered a dangerous cache of firearms and drugs.
Sentences for Soho Shooting Conspirators
- Richard Palmer, 39, of Gurnell Grove, Ealing, was jailed for 15-and-a-half years for attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and gun trafficking.
- Bolanle Roberts, 43, of Balfour Road, Ealing, was sentenced to 15 years for multiple firearm offences, possession of Class A drugs, and criminal property charges.
- Robert Dolan, 34, of Sutton Court Road, Hounslow, received 12-and-a-half years for assisting an offender, drugs conspiracy, and possession of criminal property.
Gun Attack on Busy Soho Street
In the early hours of 25 August 2019, Palmer was captured on CCTV at a Soho nightclub where a fight erupted around 3am. After the club emptied, the confrontation spilled outside onto Rupert Street.
Palmer, riding as passenger in a silver Jaguar, suddenly chased the victim and pulled out a loaded Beretta pistol. Shoppers and club-goers screamed as Palmer fired twice into the 20-something victim’s back. Miraculously, the injuries were serious but not life-threatening.
The victim walked himself to hospital; stab wounds from the initial nightclub brawl were also treated but deemed non-fatal.
Police Bust Massive Firearms and Drugs Haul
Met Police detectives swooped, recovering bullet casings and reviewing CCTV before tracing the silver Jaguar to a Ruislip address. Palmer’s fingerprints were found on the vehicle, linking him directly to the shooting.
The following day, Roberts was arrested during a chase in Acton. Officers seized over £48,000 in cash, heroin, crack cocaine, and keys to a flat in Ruislip. A search uncovered five loaded firearms, including the Beretta with a homemade silencer used in the shooting.
Roberts was described as a ‘quartermaster’ who supplied guns and ammo on demand. Mobile phone and ANPR evidence showed Roberts drove Palmer to the flat to pick up weapons before the attack.
Accomplice Tried to Help Gunman Hide
After Roberts’ arrest, Palmer went into hiding with Dolan’s help. The court heard phone calls outlining plans to keep Palmer ‘low’ in a Hanwell hotel.
Palmer was arrested at the hotel on 30 August 2019, with Dolan taken into custody at his Teddington home, where police found thousands in cash linked to the case.
Detectives Praise Public’s Role and Pledge Ongoing Fight
Detective Sergeant Chris Ladmore said: “This operation started as an attempted murder probe but uncovered a deadly stockpile of firearms we took off London’s streets. Every bullet seized could save a life. The victim was lucky to survive this reckless attack in a crowded area.”
“Reducing violence and cutting off access to firearms is critical. We will keep targeting these offenders without mercy.”
Detective Chief Inspector Sean Stewart added: “These sentences highlight the outstanding police work removing violent criminals and lethal weapons from our communities. I thank witnesses and the public for their courageous support.”
“If you know someone carrying a weapon, please contact police – you could help prevent the next tragedy.”
