A man who brandished a gun while posing as a delivery driver in East Dulwich has been convicted after have-a-go heroes helped restrain him until police raced to the scene.
Thirty-two-year-old Vicente Forde, from Greenwich, pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court today (Monday, June 7) to possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
He has now been remanded for sentencing on Thursday, July 29.
The court heard that at 9,30am on Monday, July 13 last year, Forde knocked on the door of an address in Crystal Palace Road while dressed as a delivery driver in a high-vis jacket and holding an empty Amazon cardboard box.
When the door opened, he took out a shotgun hidden under his jacket and aimed it toward the door.
The resident, a man at home with his young daughter who was on the phone at the time, reacted quickly and grabbed hold of the gun, trying to disarm Forde.
He told police Forde shouted at him to let go, threatening to stab him. He refused, despite being punched and kicked, before being able to wrestle the weapon away and throw it under a nearby car.
Several passersby, including a group of men doing some building work, came to the victim’s aid and helped restrain Forde while they phoned the police.
Officers later discovered the firearm was not only viable but also loaded with two live cartridges.
Forde was arrested and taken into custody, while the victim was taken to a south London hospital for treatment for bruising and a broken nose.
Police say they are continuing to investigate the incident.
Detective Constable Imran Hansraj, of the Specialist Crime Command, said: “The victim had no idea what was about to unfold when he saw what he thought was a delivery man bringing a parcel to his address.
“He had been home with his young daughter and was going about his business as usual when he was thrust into an incredibly frightening ordeal in which he fought for his life.
“His life was turned upside down in a split second by Forde’s actions, which were wicked and cowardly in the extreme.
“He was disguised and armed with a lethal weapon but the victim displayed incredible bravery to disarm him.
“He was lucky that a number of members of the public took heed of his cries for help and came to his aid. They too deserve enormous recognition.
“I hope Forde will now spend a substantial amount of time in prison, and I am sure that London will be all the safer for it.”