Four jailed after summer of violent 'gang warfare'

Four people have been jailed after a drive-by shooting in Watford in July 2024

The jailing of four gang members "sends a sends a clear message" that "violent and organised crime will not be tolerated", a senior detective has warned.

Three men and a 17-year-old boy were each handed prison terms for their part in violent offences in Watford, Hertfordshire, during the summer of 2024.

Hertfordshire Police said the sentences related to a stabbing attack at a chicken shop on 23 July 2024 - violent disorder two days later - and a drive-by in which an e-bike rider was left with a gunshot wound.

Det Insp Mark Butler said: "These individuals brought their violent gang warfare to the streets of Watford, putting lives at risk and fear in our communities."

A judge passed sentences at Reading Crown Court after a drive-by shooting in Watford

Marcel Gordon, now aged 19 and of Garsmouth Way, Watford, was jailed for six years after he was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.

Police said it related to a "targeted attack" on a man in his 20s at Maeme's chicken shop on 23 July 2024.

The force said they were then called to an incident of violent disorder in the town's Meridien Way at about 15:30 BST on 25 July.

At about 17:20 on the same day, an e-bike rider travelling southbound on the A41 suffered a gunshot wound following an "altercation" after which a shot was fired from a black BMW car.

He was left in a life-threatening condition but has now made a full recovery, detectives said.

Desmond Bonato, 20, was jailed for 18 months at an earlier hearing after admitting violent disorder

At Reading Crown Court on 21 November, Gordon was handed another 18 months for violent disorder and is now serving a total of seven-and-a-half years behind bars.

Carlito Dujon, 21, of Dodd Road, Watford, was sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison after admitting possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or violence, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and possession of a bladed article.

The 17-year-old boy was jailed for seven years after being found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He was cleared of attempted murder.

Desmond Bonato, 20, of Raphael Drive, was jailed for 18 months at an earlier hearing after admitting violent disorder.

Hekmat Galmne is waiting to be sentenced after being found guilty of attempted murder

A fifth defendant, Hekmat Galmne, 27, of Village Way, Pinner, north-west London, was found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

He will be sentenced in February.

Det Insp Butler, of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire major crime unit, said: "Today's sentencing sends a clear message: violent and organised crime will not be tolerated in our communities."

Det Insp Michael Ball, from the Operation Thwart team, said: "These investigations demonstrate the power of collaboration.

"Our team worked closely with our colleagues in the Major Crime Unit to track these offenders and bring a stop to their criminal network.

"It was a complex, lengthy investigation, but the outcome shows that we take dangerous individuals off our streets and make our communities safer."