Three jailed over shotgun attack in Tilbury
In July last year 22 year old Sonny Carter fired a shotgun at a rival during a dispute over a stolen moped
Three people have been jailed following a shooting in Tilbury last year.
In July, 22-year-old Sonny Carter fired a shotgun at a rival during a dispute over a stolen moped.
Encouraged by his brother, 24-year-old Nelson Lee, the attack narrowly avoided causing serious injury.
Sam Tolley, aged 37, attempted to help Carter escape from Essex, but their efforts were thwarted by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit.
This month, all three were sentenced to a combined total of more than 18 years behind bars at Basildon Crown Court.
The shooting happened at a caravan site in Chadfields at around noon on the 26th of July.
Police received 999 calls reporting gunshots, prompting an immediate response from firearms officers.
Witnesses reported seeing a moped rider involved in a confrontation with the driver of a Volkswagen Golf.
They saw the moped rider fire both rounds of a double-barrelled shotgun directly at the car.
The spent shotgun shells were seen to hit the floor, before the Golf reversed into a gate and collided with a parked vehicle in the driver’s rush to flee.
The gunman collected the shells, stashing the shotgun into the storage compartment of the moped before riding it away from the site.
Police discovered evidence linking Lee and Carter to the scene, alongside cannabis, cocaine, and cash.
Essex Police say detectives faced challenges due to a lack of a cooperative victim and limited forensic evidence.
A case was built using public information, CCTV footage, and communications evidence, leading to arrests and subsequent convictions.
One message sent by Lee, referring to the victim, read: “He’s gonna be getting done for good.”
Another, the final message sent by Lee to Carter before the shooting took place, referenced carrying out an assault, adding: “But delete these messages… I’m just paranoid we’ve gotta be smart not dumb.”
The investigation found that, following the shooting, Carter packed up his belongings and fled to an address in Lincolnshire to lay low with the help of Tolley.
Carter, of HMP Norwich, admitted a charge of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. He was deemed a dangerous offender and jailed for 12 years eight months.
Lee, of Feryby Road, Grays, admitted a charge of encouraging and assisting an offender. He was sentenced to three years nine months’ imprisonment.
Tolley, of High Road, Orsett, denied assisting an offender and was convicted of this charge following a trial. He was sentenced to two years and six months’ imprisonment. He earlier admitted a further charge of driving whilst disqualified and was banned from driving for 22 months.
The case was highlighted by Judge Collery, who commended Detective Constable Elliot Blackwood for his dedication.
DC Blackwood highlighted the challenges, saying :“At the outset of the investigation we faced a number of hurdles.
“We lacked a victim willing to engage with us, the firearm was never recovered and forensic evidence was extremely limited.
“Alongside those factors, we also faced a manhunt across county borders.
“The three offenders involved did what they could to hide themselves and any evidence of their involvement.
“To secure convictions against all three is testament to the seriousness we treat incidents of this nature.
“Gun crime remains extremely rare in Essex. But when criminals resort to using weapons in such an open and frightening way, the public can feel reassured that we will respond in kind.
“We will throw our full weight behind an investigation to see them brought to justice."