Gang targeted e-biker in drive-by shooting

Hekmat Galmne denied trying to murder an e-bike rider after firing a shot out of a BMW car - but was found guilty by a jury

A man has been convicted of attempted murder after a drive-by shooting on a dual carriageway in broad daylight.

The victim, riding an e-bike, was shot on the A41 in Watford in July 2024, following a number of other violent incidents in the Hertfordshire town.

Hekmat Galmne, 27, of Pinner in London, was found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

He is one of eight people now awaiting sentence for their part in either the shooting or a series of stabbings, including one at a chicken shop.

The shooting followed a disturbance at a park in Meriden Way on 25 July last year. Two hours later, a shot was fired at the e-bike rider from a black BMW. The victim was taken to hospital and recovered.

One passenger, a 17-year-old boy from Watford, was found not guilty of attempted murder but convicted of GBH with intent and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Marcel Gordon, 19, of Garsmouth Way, Watford, was found guilty of violent disorder in relation to the shooting.

He was also convicted of GBH with intent and possessing a bladed article in relation to a stabbing at Maeme's chicken shop on 23 July 2024.

'Reckless and careless'

Two men previously pleaded guilty to involvement with the shooting, while four people - including two 17-year-olds - admitted to involvement with a second stabbing that took place in Brocklesbury Close on 24 July.

A man in his 20s recovered from his injuries.

Det Insp Mark Butler, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: "This result proves we will go to great lengths to hold people who use such extreme violence in such a reckless and careless manner to account."

He thanked his team as well as "the brave members of the public who responded to such a dangerous incident, gave evidence during the trial and played a crucial role in our enquiries".

Det Insp Michael Ball, of the Operation Thwart team, said: "There is no place for violence in Hertfordshire.

"I'd like to thank my team who have worked tirelessly to ensure these dangerous individuals have been removed from the streets of Watford."

All eight are due to be sentenced on 21 November.