Islington Tribune - by DAVID ST GEORGE Published: 4 May 2007
Mechanic was victim of ‘hoodie’ gang shooting
Gunman who left bullet in victim’s back faces lengthy jail sentence
A MAN who was gunned down in the street was the victim of “gang crime” which now attracts heavier sentences, a court heard.
The victim was lucky to survive a determined bid to end his life.
He described to a jury how he was targeted when visiting a Finsbury Park estate to see a friend.
Motor mechanic Shane Johnson told the Old Bailey that he was approached by members of the feared ‘Stamford Hill Crew’.
The 25-year-old, whose Islington address was not revealed, said he was shot from point-blank range as he left Peak House, on the Wooberry Down Estate, to walk to a car.
Mr Johnson suffered “dreadful” internal injuries when a bullet entered his abdomen and caused massive severe damage, said Tim Cray, prosecuting.
He has undergone several major operations but remains permanently crippled.
Mr Johnson said: “I came out of intensive care on October 3 last year, a week after the shooting. “I still have the bullet lodged in my back. I was on the pavement and saw some men coming towards me. They had their heads down and hoodies up. I remember saying ‘what are you hiding your faces for’ then I was shot.”
After a two-week trial, Tony Adetundi, 19, from Shacklewell Lane, Dalston, was convicted of attempted murder and having a firearm.
Neighbours heard gunfire and saw a man in black trousers and a black hoodie fleeing.
Adetundi was identified by the victim as his attacker who named him as a member of the Stamford Hill Crew. He denied being the gunman.
Judge David Paget QC, who will sentence him on May 18, warned that he faces many years behind bars.