Southwark (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The mother of murdered Peckham man Jesse Lloyd Smith says she is “deeply disappointed” with the judge’s sentencing decision at Southwark Crown Court.
Residents were shocked by the killing in East Surrey Grove, off Commercial Way, Peckham, which occurred at 4:50 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10 of last year. Jesse’s mother heard the gunman open fire and saw her son injured on the ground shortly after. Jesse, 20, passed away the day after being taken to the hospital.
Six other people involved were found guilty of perverting the course of justice, and one Southwark man was convicted for his murder.
After being found guilty of murder, Gabriel Charles, 20, was given a life sentence and will serve at least 28 years. At the Old Bailey, the six other individuals who were involved in the incident were convicted of perverting the course of justice.
Jesse’s mother Ty Lloyd-Smith said she was “deeply disappointed” with the sentencing, which she said did “not reflect the sentences that this group of murderers and co-conspirators deserve.
“The guilty will feel like they have a victory, and this reflects some of the failings we have in the UK judicial system,”
she said in a statement released by the Met Police.
Charles was found guilty of murder on Thursday, 24 July under the principle of joint enterprise for his role in the attack.
The court heard that a silver Ford S-Max drove towards a Peckham alleyway, passing before stopping nearby.
Moments later, Jesse was shot five times, with one bullet proving fatal.
Ty Lloyd-Smith continued:
“To all those responsible even the ones that weren’t brought to court, you know who you are, for the brutal daylight shooting of my beloved son, I wish to express the overwhelming emotional turmoil our family and friends continue to face, and that your lives are never the same.
The loss of a vibrant young man, filled with potential and dreams, serves as a heart-breaking reminder of the fragility of life.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the homicide team for their relentless patience, commitment, and dedication in bringing these perpetrators to justice their tireless efforts have provided us with a glimmer of hope amidst our pain.
Additionally, we are profoundly thankful for the compassion and care given by the London Air Ambulance team during our son’s critical time of need. Their quick actions and heartfelt support made a difference in his final moments.
We will continue to hold Jesse in our hearts, and we will continue to celebrate his 20 years of life for the rest of our lives. Me, my daughters, our family and all our friends will uphold his legacy with purpose and conviction. Your friends and family will not do the same for you, this will be because you are killers.”
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila from the Met’s Specialist Crime Unit, who led the investigation, added:
“Today’s sentencing marks an important step in holding to account those responsible for Jesse Lloyd Smith’s murder. Jesse’s life was tragically cut short in what the Judge described as a planned execution.
His family have shown extraordinary courage throughout this investigation. The trial process has been difficult, and I want to express my deepest sympathy to them. I also want to thank the community in Peckham for standing up to gun crime. Their support and willingness to come forward played a vital role in securing today’s outcome.
Let me be clear: the Metropolitan Police are relentless in going after those who bring guns to our streets, pull the trigger, or assist those who do so. Wherever you are in the world, we will work with our partners to bring justice for acts committed on London’s streets. There is no hiding place for those who choose violence.”
Jesse was well-known in the neighborhood and was never seen without his two dogs, Savvie and Blue, whom he had reared from puppies.
As if honoring their cherished owner, the two dogs gallop around the field during the event, occasionally stopping to sit beside the painting.
Three months after the murder, the atmosphere surrounding the field was evidence of a life lost too soon that affected everyone he encountered. Despite enduring the worst thing they could have ever imagined, Jesse’s loved ones utilized the gathering as an opportunity to share memories and anecdotes about him.
The six other men involved in the incident and who were found guilty of perverting the course of justice at the Old Bailey received the following sentencing:
They are:
- Abdoul Guene, 19, of Peckham – 2 year sentence.
- Kywan JN Pierre, 18, of Selhurst – 3 year sentence.
- Ben Nguyen, 20, of no fixed address – 5 year sentence.
- Enver Francis, 22, of Southwark – 4 year sentence.
- William Balogun, 18, of Southwark – 2 year sentence.
To be sentenced at a later date:
Kadjo Kadio, 21 (01.07.2004) of Romford.
What police and community safety measures are planned in Peckham?
Southwark will welcome 24 new police officers who have been specifically allocated to patrol high crime places for the borough, including Peckham and North Walworth. These teams of neighbourhood officers will respond to after-hours anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, and theft of mobile phones.
The Local Safer Neighbourhoods Team also on regular foot and cycle patrols working with our communities and neighbouring boroughs such as Lewisham to tackle stolen vehicles, moped theft and anti-social behaviour.
Southwark Council has also engaged a private security firm to conduct night-time patrols every night of the week in locations of high crime and anti-social behaviour. This partnership supports the Council’s Community Warden team to increase the visibility and reassurance between the hours of 6 pm- 2 am.
