Fourth man sentenced after shooting in Hackney

A man has been sentenced to 33 years in prison after new digital forensic technology linked him to a shooting in Hackney in 2020.

Five innocent men were shot at, with one left blinded, after being caught up in a gang rivalry they had nothing to do with.

Bailey McKenzie, also known as ‘Billy Billions’, 28 (20.04.1997) of no fixed address was sentenced to 33 years in prison, at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 2 October. He had previously been convicted of conspiracy to murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

McKenzie was found guilty of conspiracy to murder on Tuesday, 15 July following a three-week trial. He had also been convicted of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life at an earlier trial that concluded on 24 April 2024. The sentence today reflects both these convictions.

Three of McKenzie’s gang members had already been convicted and sentenced for their part in this shooting. However, it was new digital forensic technology that assisted in building the evidential case against McKenzie after it was introduced to the Met in 2023.

It provided officers access to additional material, which helped identify McKenzie’s involvement and tie him to the shooting, even though he wasn’t physically there.

Detective Superintendent Matthew Webb, who led the investigation, said: “This shooting was harrowing and has had a life-changing impact on the victims and their families. Sadly, these four men have shown no remorse or concern for the injuries caused to innocent members of the public.

“I thank the victims and their families for their support and patience. I hope that this sentence brings them some solace in knowing those responsible have been brought to justice and will spend a significant period in prison.

“I am grateful to my investigation team and our partners in the Crown Prosecution Service for their determination and professionalism. The lengthy sentences all four of them received are a testament to that work.

“The sentencing of McKenzie concludes this investigation, which has taken almost five years to get to this stage. McKenzie, who performed under name ‘Billy Billions’, was able to use his position to influence others and orchestrate significant violent criminality, which stemmed from territorial gang disputes.

“My message to McKenzie and those like-minded is clear – you do not own the streets. We will not tolerate your violent acts, and we will bring you to justice.”

Bailey McKenzie, Reuel Briscoe, Julien Kalala and Dalvane Greenaway were part of gang based around the E8 postcode area and were involved in territory disputes with rival gangs. The court heard that on their social media, they were glorifying about taking part in violent crimes and tensions were rising between the gangs in the lead up to the shooting.

On 14 December 2020, at approximately 9.45pm, Briscoe, Kalala and Greenaway were in a vehicle, when they pulled up to a car they wrongly thought contained members from a rival gang in Middleton Road, Hackney.

They fired multiple shots at the car before fleeing the scene.

The court heard that McKenzie was involved in the planning of the ride out and supplied the gun that was used in the shooting.

Inside the car were five innocent young men – aged between 21 and 22 years old at the time - who had nothing to do with either of the gangs and were meeting to celebrate their friend's birthday. Three of the men were shot, with one of them receiving permanent, life-changing injuries.

Following the shooting, officers worked quickly to identify the suspects and were able to find the car through CCTV. Briscoe was identified as the driver and was arrested the following day.

His phone was seized and submitted for forensic digital analysis which led to the discovery of significant evidence and intelligence for the investigation, including a group chat used for planning violent incidents.

In a victim impact statement, the family of the man left with life-changing injuries, said: “Before the shooting, he was an outgoing young man with a bright future and was at university studying to become an accountant. They shot an innocent man, a young man who had a lot to offer society, a young man who is loved by many. Although still alive, he was robbed of his future.”

Further sentencings:

Reuel Briscoe, 32 (06.10.1992), of no fixed address, was also found guilty of conspiracy to murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He was sentenced at the Old Bailey on 28 October 2022 to serve a minimum of 34 years.

Dalvane Greenaway, 24 (06.09.2001), of Munro Way, Hackney, was found guilty on 19 April 2023 for conspiracy to commit murder and possession of firearm with intent to endanger life. He was sentenced at the Old Bailey on 7 July 2023 to 28 years in prison.

Julien Kalala, 27 (21.01.1998), of Dalston Lane, Hackney, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and possession of firearm with intent to endanger life on 19 April 2023. He was sentenced at the Old Bailey on 7th July 2023 to 34 years in prison