Four Jailed After Watford Drive-By & Gang Warfare Rampage

Police smashed a violent Watford gang after a stabbing, street disorder & a drive-by shooting that left a man critically hurt, leading to major jail sentences. Four men and a 17-year-old boy have been jailed following a series of violent incidents in Watford last summer which culminated in a drive-by shooting that left an e-bike rider in a life-threatening condition. Detectives described the violence as “gang warfare” brought onto the town’s streets, involving a stabbing in a chicken shop, disorder in a busy shopping area, and a gun fired from a passing car. Senior officers said the sentences delivered send a “clear message” that violent and organised criminal activity will be met with firm action.

The offences first unfolded on 23 July 2024 when a man in his 20s was attacked inside Maeme’s chicken shop. Hertfordshire Police said the stabbing was a targeted assault. Marcel Gordon, now 19, of Garsmouth Way, Watford, was convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon. He received a six-year sentence, and an additional 18 months for violent disorder at Reading Crown Court on 21 November, taking his total term to seven-and-a-half years.

Two days later, police were called to violent disorder in Meridien Way at about 15:30 BST, before a further confrontation on the A41 at around 17:20 led to a shot being fired from a black BMW. The victim, travelling southbound on an e-bike, was critically injured but has since made a full recovery.

Carlito Dujon, 21, of Dodd Road, Watford, received 10 years after admitting possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of an imitation firearm, and possession of a bladed article. A 17-year-old defendant was jailed for seven years for grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He was cleared of attempted murder. Desmond Bonato, 20, of Raphael Drive, was jailed for 18 months at an earlier hearing for violent disorder.

Read more: Edinburgh knife rampage suspect faces attempted murder trial

A fifth man, Hekmat Galmne, 27, of Village Way, Pinner, north-west London, was found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He awaits sentencing in February.

Det Insp Mark Butler said the operation “removed dangerous individuals from our streets”. Det Insp Michael Ball added that the investigation demonstrated the effectiveness of joint policing units in dismantling criminal networks.