Seven men have been jailed for a combined total of over 102 years following a series of shootings in Peckham in May 2023. The group, who “retaliated to violence with more violence,” were sentenced at the Central Criminal Court on Friday, 18 October.
The convicted men include Tyreke Smikle, 26, Kai Davis Francis, 25, Duan Correa, 21, Shaquille Marsh, 26, Tyreece Quartey, 25, Malachi David Francis, 21, and Timothy Newton, 18. The convictions form part of the Metropolitan Police’s ongoing strategy to tackle firearms and make London safer.
Details of the Investigation
The Met launched an investigation in May 2023 following a violent escalation in the Peckham area. The investigation revealed that in the early hours of 7 May, an acquaintance of Smikle and Newton was stabbed. The pair visited their friend in hospital before retrieving a bag containing weapons and formulating a plan for retaliation.
CCTV footage showed the group wearing balaclavas and splitting between three vehicles, including a stolen moped. Smikle was armed with a loaded shotgun, while others carried machetes and knives.
The group pursued a vehicle, and Smikle fired a shotgun through the driver’s window. They then targeted a second vehicle on a nearby street, firing again. The chase continued, resulting in the targeted vehicle crashing and flipping over. Smikle then chased a third victim into a garden and shot him in the leg at close range.
Thankfully, none of the victims sustained life-threatening injuries.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Luke Martinez, who led the investigation, commented:
“This group retaliated to violence with more violence, bringing a firearm and other weapons to the streets of London which could have seriously injured or killed someone. These shootings took place during daylight hours, with one occurring just metres away from a mother and her child. Today’s sentencing has taken dangerous individuals off the streets – I hope it serves as a stark warning to those seeking to threaten the safety of Londoners by brandishing such dangerous weapons.”
When arresting Smikle, officers recovered the shotgun, a quantity of Class A drugs, a stab-proof vest, a knife, and burner phones.
Sentencing Details
- Tyreke Smikle, 26, of Rupack Street, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years and seven months. He was convicted of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm (GBH), two counts of wounding with intent, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
- Kai Davis-Francis, 25, of Arngask Road, was sentenced to 17 years and six months for conspiracy to commit GBH and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
- Timothy Newton, 18, of Brackley Avenue, received nine years and six months for conspiracy to commit GBH and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
- Duan Correa, 21, of Nunhead Lane, was sentenced to 16 years for conspiracy to commit GBH.
- Shaquille Marsh, 26, of Rainham South Road, received 14 years and six months for conspiracy to commit GBH.
- Tyreece Quartey, 25, of Woodmill Street, was sentenced to 13 years for conspiracy to commit GBH.
- Malachi David Francis, 21, of Ivydale Road, received 14 years and six months for conspiracy to commit GBH.
Smikle was also issued an indefinite Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), while the others received CBOs with fixed terms.
Met’s Firearm Strategy and Public Appeal
The Met continues its efforts to crack down on gun crime in London. Earlier this year, the police announced a record low in firearms offences over the last 15 years, with 386 illegal firearms seized in the past year. Since March 2023, firearms offences have dropped from 196 to 145.
The Met encourages anyone with information related to firearms or shootings to call 101. Alternatively, tips can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
