Two Sentenced to Life for Fatal Drive-By Wake Shooting in Willesden

Two men have been sentenced to life imprisonment at the Old Bailey following their convictions for a fatal drive-by shooting at a wake in north-west London.

Perry Allen-Thomas, 27, of Wembley, was handed a minimum term of 38 years after a jury found him guilty of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

Amir Salem, 20, also of Wembley, received a minimum term of 26 years for his role in the fatal attack that occurred on 14 December 2024.

The defendants were convicted of murdering 44-year-old Michelle Sadio outside the River of Life Pentecostal Church in Willesden.

During the sentencing hearing, Mrs Justice McGowan stated that a murder was intended and planned during what had begun as a family-orientated occasion.

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The court heard that the victim was among approximately 100 mourners gathered to honour the life of 80-year-old Dianne Boatong.

At approximately 21:00 GMT, a stolen black Kia displaying false number plates approached the location and at least four shots were fired into the crowd.

The prosecution established that the intended target of the gunfire was 33-year-old Adetokunbo Ajibola, who was present at the event.

Michelle Sadio sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Two other individuals sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.

Kenneth Amoah, 39, a Transport for London contractor, was struck in the back and left permanently paralysed below the waist.

Kadeem Francis, 32, received a gunshot wound to the foot.

The trial jury was presented with evidence demonstrating that Allen-Thomas recruited younger gang members to execute the drive-by shooting.

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The court was told that Allen-Thomas deliberately ensured he was not present at the scene when the attack occurred.

Surveillance footage presented to the jury showed Salem, who was 18 at the time, purchasing petrol that was subsequently used to set the stolen vehicle alight.

Prosecutors detailed how Salem maintained contact with the occupants of the Kia on the night of the attack and relayed information back to Allen-Thomas.

The weapon utilised in the attack had been discharged in two previous incidents and was described during proceedings as a gang gun.

The specific individual who discharged the firearm from within the vehicle remains unidentified.

The prosecution submitted that two other men inside the vehicle fled the jurisdiction following the incident and remain at large.

Two additional co-defendants, Shaquille Sutherland and Tahjin Sommersall, were formally cleared of any wrongdoing by the jury following the trial.

In her sentencing remarks, Mrs Justice McGowan noted that while children as young as five were present, the murderers demonstrated a reckless disregard for who was killed.

A victim impact statement from Jean-Marie Sadio, the victim's widower, was read into the court record.

Mr Sadio addressed the defendants directly, formally expressing his forgiveness and stating his desire to focus on the future for his children.

He urged the convicted men to replace their guilt with a determined desire to change.

A further statement on behalf of the victim's father detailed the extensive familial loss caused by the incident.

Following the formal sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke stated that the fatal attack resulted from ongoing gang tensions in the local area.