Two amateur hitmen who assassinated an East End crook and accused molester for £5,000 - allegedly put up by his own wife and stepdaughter – are starting life sentences.
Gunman Douglas Johnson, 30, of Witley Crescent, New Addington, Croydon and getaway driver David Austin, 43, of Dunley Drive, New Addington, must serve a minimum of 30 years.
Wheel clamping boss Charles Butler, 50, (pic.top) was shot outside his home opposite the Matapan pub in Green Lane, Dagenham at 11.45 pm on October 13, 2004 after pulling up in his burgundy Land Rover.
As he walked to his front door Johnson (pic.mid.) approached and chased the victim around the car and into the main road, shooting Mr. Butler as he stumbled.
He was taken to Oldchurch Hospital, Romford, where he died on June 23, 2005 after an eight-month coma. A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as gunshot wound to the neck.
Rumours that Mr. Butler traded in stolen cars and had molested his step-daughter helped police put a case together after hearing Johnson’s brother was approached by the family to kill the victim.
Detective Superintendent Keith Niven, of the Metropolitan Police’s Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: "This has been a protracted and complex enquiry.
“The team of detectives investigating this murder have worked tirelessly throughout and it is as a consequence of their commitment, dedication and professionalism that convictions have been secured here today.
"Charles Butler was murdered in a gangland-style killing as he returned to his Dagenham home.
"As part of the investigation detectives took the unusual step of releasing very graphic CCTV images of Mr. Butler's final moments.
The grandfather was captured on his own security systems being chased by a gunman before being shot and fatally wounded.
"Today's result demonstrates the Met's ongoing determination to identify and bring to justice those who seek to use guns on the streets of London.
"I would also like to pay tribute to the witnesses who showed great courage in coming forward to give evidence at court."
No comments:
Post a Comment