Dealer Jailed For Drugs Shooting

A ruthless drug dealer, who shot a customer who owed him £150, has be caged for a minimum of fifteen years.

Desmond Meade, 25, of Crondall Court, St. John’s Estate, Islington, North London, shot the 44 year-old victim at the junction of nearby Cropley Street and Napier Grove on August 4, last year.

He was convicted at the Old Bailey of attempted murder and received an indeterminate life sentence.

His alleged partner-in-crime, Russell James Stanley, 26 of East Ham was also arrested by Operation Trident officers, who specialise investigating violent black-on-black crime was acquitted.

Detective Sergeant Chris Jones said: "This crime would appear to have been motivated by an insignificant drugs debt of £150 owed to Meade by the victim.

"Meade, who was a well placed drug dealer in Hackney, demonstrated total disregard for the victim's life and safety of other members of the public, including children who were playing nearby.

"I would like to praise the courage of both victim and witnesses who gave evidence under difficult circumstances ensuring Meade was brought to justice.

“I am satisfied that Hackney Borough will be a safer place without the criminal activities of Desmond Meade.”

Police rushed to the scene at 10.45 pm where they found the victim and a 39 year-old woman close to a Vauxhall Corsa that had crashed into a wall.

The man was rushed by ambulance to hospital where he was treated and has since made a good recovery.

The woman received hospital treatment for minor injuries and was later discharged.

The shooting took place following an alleged dispute over a drugs debt involving both parties.

The victim was involved in a brief altercation when Meade approached him.

Meade pulled a gun and shot the man once in the chest and ran from the scene.

He was arrested and charged ten days later.