Gunman Jailed For Blinding Rival

A gunman who shot a rival during an early-morning confrontation – blinding the victim in one eye – has been locked-up for a minimum of fifteen years.

Roger Aiken, 34, (pictured) of Springett House, St. Matthew’s Road, Brixton shot the 38 year-old victim at an East London industrial estate as the man was on his way to a nearby party.

He was convicted by an Old Bailey jury of attempted murder and possession of a firearm in Creek Road, Barking on August 27, last year.

The victim – who was known to Aiken – was shot just after 6.00am at point blank range with a handgun.

The defendant then shot at the vehicle containing the victim’s friends, but nobody else was injured.

Aiken escaped in an Audi TT car, which has never been recovered.

The victim suffered gun shot injuries to his head and left arm.

His head injury resulted in him being left permanently blind and the bullet remains lodged under his right eye, and he is also still receiving treatment for his arm injury.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Abbie Warde of Operation Trident said: “Roger Aiken is a dangerous man who believed that he could avoid justice.

“Communities in London are safer for his imprisonment.



“This sentence sends out a clear message to those who are involved in gun crime and they should take note that the police and criminal justice system will not tolerate this type of violent behaviour.



“Trident is committed to working hard to bring to justice those who carry and commit violent offences with firearms.”