Four men accused of shooting young mother and activist Sasha Johnson in Peckham were cleared of all charges today (Tuesday, February 22) after the prosecutor declined to give any evidence against them in court.
A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said: “Following an extensive review of matters which arose after these defendants were charged, we have concluded that our legal test is no longer met.
“For legal reasons we are unable to set out the full reasons for our decisions, but we have told the court today that we have no alternative but to offer no evidence against each of the four defendants.
“Our thoughts remain with Sasha Johnson and her family.”
Prince Dixon, 25, Troy Reid, 20, Devonte Brown, 19, both of Southwark, and Cameron Deriggs, 18, had all denied conspiracy to murder along with possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life at the Old Bailey last December.
Earlier today the men, all dressed in black tracksuits, jumped up and cheered when they heard that the charges had been dropped, via video-link from maximum security Belmarsh Prison in Woolwich.
Judge Mr Justice Hilliard recorded formal not guilty verdicts after Mark Heywood, QC, offered no evidence against the four men. Mr Heywood did not explain in open court why the charges had been dropped.
Sasha Johnson: vigil held for Peckham mother and activist shot at house party
Mother of two Ms Johnson, 27, remains in a serious but stable condition after the Peckham shooting in May last year.
The anti-racist activist was in the back garden of a house in Consort Road at a silent disco event in the early hours of the morning when she was struck by a bullet.
During the investigation following the shooting, police told of their disappointment that that more of the 30 people who were at the house party where Ms Johnson was brutally attacked had not come forward to help with the investigation and “get justice” for her and her family.
A spokesperson for the Met Police said they had updated Ms Johnson’s family and said that the force’s thoughts remained with them.
They added: “We remain committed to bringing those responsible for shooting Sasha to justice, however we cannot do it alone. We need your help.
“We understand that people may be reluctant about speaking to the police for a number of reasons, however you are able to provide information 100% anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 111 555 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org. They do not trace your phone number or I.P address.
“Please, if you have any information at all then I implore you to do the right thing for Sasha and her family and either contact us or Crimestoppers.”
Ms Johnson’s Taking the Initiative Party have been contacted for comment.