Man sentenced after shooting a man in Peckham

A 20-year-old man has been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 28 years after he fatally shot a man in broad daylight in south east London last summer.

Gabriel Charles, 20 (07.10.2005) from Southwark, south London was sentenced today (Friday, 10 October) at the Old Bailey. He was found guilty of murder on Thursday, 24 July following a three-month trial.

Jesse Lloyd-Smith was found by his mother after she heard gunshots in East Surrey Grove, Peckham at 16:50hrs on Wednesday, 10 July 2024. Jesse was taken to hospital and sadly died the following day.

Charles was found guilty under the principle of joint enterprise for his role in the fatal attack. The court heard that a silver Ford S-Max drove towards a Peckham alleyway, passing before stopping nearby.

Moments later, Jesse Lloyd-Smith was shot five times, with one bullet proving fatal. While it could not be determined whether Charles was the driver or the gunman, the jury concluded he was a willing participant in the attack.

During the trial, the court heard that Charles fled the country after the incident. He was arrested and charged with murder in November 2024 when he returned to the UK.

Jesse’s mother, Ty Lloyd-Smith, said:

"The sentencing the judge gave out today did not reflect the sentences that this group of murderers and co-conspirators deserve. As a family we feel deeply disappointed in the overall sentencing. The guilty will feel like they have a victory, and this reflects some of the failings we have in the UK judicial system.

"To those responsible for the brutal daylight shooting of my beloved son, I wish to express the overwhelming emotional turmoil our family and friends continue to face.

"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.”

Six other men involved in the incident were found guilty of perverting the course of justice at the Old Bailey and received the below sentencing:

They are:

• Abdoul Guene, 19 (16.09.2006) of Peckham - 2 year sentence.
• Kywan JN Pierre, 18 (18.02.2007) of Selhurst - 3 year sentence.
• Ben Nguyen, 20, (20.11.2004), of no fixed address - 5 year sentence.
• Enver Francis, 22 (20.12.2002) of Southwark - 4 year sentence.
• William Balogun 18 (07.10.2007) of Southwark - 2 year sentence.

To be sentenced at a later date:

• Kadjo Kadio, 21 (01.07.2004) of Romford.