A Brixton man has been jailed for a shooting on a Barking industrial estate that left another man blind.
Roger Aiken, 34, of Springett House, St Matthews Road, Brixton was found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a firearm on Tuesday (10 April) following a trial at The Old Bailey.
He was given an indeterminate sentence and told he must serve a minimum of 15 years for the shooting, and a minimum of 12 years for possession of the firearm with intent to endanger life – the sentences to run concurrently.
Police found the 38-year-old victim with gunshot wounds to his head and arm in Creek Road, Barking on 27 August 2011.
The man, who was with friends on the way to a party nearby, had been shot a point blank range with a handgun. The gunman then shot at a vehicle which contained the victim’s friends but no one else was injured. He then made off in an Audi TT car which has never been recovered.
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 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”.
It transpired the victim and Aiken were known to each other. Following enquiries Aiken was arrested on 1 September 2011. He was subsequently charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
