Shotgun Thugs Jailed

Lewis Philpot & Tony Murray

Two men are starting prison sentences after firing a shotgun in east London, injuring a man and a woman.

The pair, who were riding bikes, shot at the front door of a commercial premises, injuring the victims both aged in their thirties, in Chatsworth Road, Clapton.

Lewis Philpot, 22, (pic. l.) and Tony Murray, 27, (pic. r.) of Churchill Walk, Hackney, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm, with intent to endanger life and causing grievous bodily harm, with intent.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court Philpot was sentenced to nine years and four months imprisonment.

Murray was sentenced to nine years imprisonment.

Police were called on Thursday, January 23 at 0.55am to reports of a firearm being discharged.

The victims received pellet wounds as a result of the shooting and were taken to hospital and discharged with non-life changing injuries.

An immediate investigation was launched by Trident detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime.

As a result of their enquiries search warrants were executed a week later at two addresses and during the searches a shotgun was recovered.

Detective Inspector Matthew Webb of Specialist Crime said: “Both of these men have paid the penalty for their wanton discharge of a firearm on the streets of London. 

“It was merely good fortune that the injuries they caused were not more serious.

“The Met is determined to bring violent criminals to account and both men were quickly arrested and charged. 

“Following our inquiry, both were faced with overwhelming evidence and quickly pleaded guilty.”