News -
Four men sentenced after east London shooting leaves victim paralysed
Detectives have secured convictions against five men following a violent shooting in Canning Town that left one victim with life-changing injuries.
The group was jailed today, Friday, 23 January, at Snaresbrook Crown Court to more than 80 years in jail. It included a teenager who tried to evade capture by police by hiding inside a bed.
In the early hours of 26 October 2024, two brothers were shot while walking their dog in Thorne Close, E16.
Shortly after 02:00hrs, they were chased down the street by two men who had jumped out of a stolen Audi. CCTV audio captured seven gunshots fired by the attackers before they fled in the vehicle.
One of the victims, 36, was shot through the hand. His brother, 28, suffered a gunshot wound to the back, which left him paralysed down one side of his lower body.
Five 9mm Makarov bullet casings were recovered from the scene, along with a balaclava later found to contain the DNA of one of the attackers.
Detective Sergeant Ryan Findleton, who led the investigation, said: “This was a shocking and targeted act of violence that left an innocent man with life-changing injuries. The sentences passed today reflect the tireless work of our officers to bring these dangerous individuals to justice. We hope this provide some comfort to the victims and the wider community.
“Those who brandish weapons on our streets should be under no illusion that we will do everything in our power to ensure criminals who threaten the safety of Londoners face a lengthy time behind bars. Thanks to this relentlessness, we have seen attempted murder charges for firing weapons nearly doubling since 2023, with sentences now typically between 20 and 35 years. This shows the work of our dedicated officers and staff to suppress violence has made London safer, with fewer people being killed and seriously injured on our streets.”
The investigation
Detectives launched a painstaking investigation, tracing the stolen Audi through CCTV footage. This work identified Ronnie Hill, Esmaela Seidi, a 16-year-old boy and Kennedy Senga as those responsible. They had travelled from South Woodford to Canning Town armed with knives and a loaded firearm.
In December 2024, police arrested and charged Senga, Seidi, and the 16-year-old. Hill evaded capture until March 2025, when officers found him hiding inside a divan bed at a friend’s house following a lengthy manhunt.
During the search, officers recovered a loaded handgun, an imitation firearm and live ammunition.
Following an eight-week trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts on 20, October, 2025.
Ronnie Hill, 18 (28.07.06) of no fixed address – guilty of two counts of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He had pleaded guilty mid-trial to possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition. He was sentenced to 24 years in jail.
Esmaela Seidi, 18 (05.06.06) of Kitchener Road, Forest Gate – guilty of two counts of attempted murder. He was sentenced to 18.5 years in jail.
A 16-year-old boy from the Canning Town area – guilty of two counts of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He was sentenced to 14.5 years.
Kennedy Senga,19 (10.11.05) of Running Waters, Brentwood, Essex – guilty of two counts of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He was sentenced to 21 years.
Another man, who was not involved in the shooting, Abdul Ahmed, 21 (29.01.04) of Coleman Road, was found guilty of assisting an offender after helping Hill evade arrest. He was sentenced to 2.5 years.
