LIANNE GORDON did not deserve to die. She was sheltering behind the front door of her home in Vine Road, Hackney E5 when she was shot by a 17 year old teenager – who was part of a gang dispute.

The teen was convicted at the Old Bailey on 30th October. He was found guilty of murder, affray, possession of a bladed article – and two counts of attempted murder. To that list we can add possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, which he had previously admitted. The teen will return to the Old Bailey for sentencing on 2nd December.

The murder happened on 5th December 2023. At around 6.30pm police received reports that there had been a shooting. When they and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service arrived, they found three people had been shot. Lianne, 42, died at the scene. A man, 20, and a boy, 16, received hospital treatment for injuries that were not life-threatening.

The defendant was arrested at his home just three days later. Class A drugs and related drug paraphernalia were found – along with a machete and devices which showed that he had been searching for information on Lianne’s murder. The police also found CCTV footage showing the defendant shooting the two males outside Lianne’s home – and shooting her, as she tried to get back inside her home.

Speaking after the conviction, Detective Chief Inspector Joanne York led the investigation into the murder and other offences. She said, “The defendant was a known gang member with previous involvement in drugs and violence. Lianne Gordon was a mother of two who was shot dead for reasons we may never know or fathaom. I am pleased that the murderer will face the consequences of his actions, but also that he will spend years of his ife in a place where he can no longer post a threat to the community. While nothing can bring Lianne back, I sincerely hope that today’s verdict brings some comfort to her loved ones.”

Acting Chief Superintendent Brigid Beehag-Fisher said, “We are committed to tackling gun crime and serious violence across London. […] If you know someone who is carrying a weapon or involved with serious violence, I ask you to come forward to the police or via the independent charity Crimestoppers to prevent another tragedy like this from happening again.”

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