London gunman sentenced
Published on : 04/04/2007
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A gunman who shot a police officer has been sentenced to a minimum of five years in prison.
In February Dwayne Reid, 23, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent; possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life; and possession of a firearm while prohibited to do so.
Today he was sentenced to a minimum of five years and 315 days in prison before he can apply for parole.
On 24th April last year police on routine patrol in Peckham, London, noticed a Peugeot car being driven erratically and, after the car crashed, gave chase to the two occupants of the car, one of which was Reid.
Police officers Paul Bennett and Mark Guppy went after the pair yet, while chasing the suspects, PC Bennett heard a loud bang.
"Shots fired - I think I've been shot," were then heard over the radio. However despite his colleague receiving a gunshot wound PC Guppy continued to pursue the pair. After calling for assistance, PC Richard Hall joined him on the chase and sealed Reid's escape route leading to the arrest of the man.
The second suspect was charged in connection with the investigation and later found not guilty.
All three officers were awarded the Met's highest honour, High Commendations, in May 2006 for their bravery.
"We need the public to see what happens to men who carry guns and use them on our streets," Detective Inspector Paul Johnson of Trafalgar central shootings team said.
"This sentence will reassure and encourage the public to come forward and help us fight gun crime on the streets of south London," he added.
