Met Police secure first-of-its-kind compensation for nine-year-old victim of Dalston shooting

A career criminal who seriously injured a child by orchestrating a shooting at a busy restaurant has been ordered to pay her compensation after Met officers successfully pursued his criminal assets.

Following a confiscation hearing at the Old Bailey on Monday, 12 October, Javon Riley, 34 (13.12.1993), was ordered to pay £9,115 in compensation to the nine-year-old girl, who was left with life-changing injuries after she was shot in Dalston in May 2024.

Met officers were able to prove the money had been generated through Riley’s involvement in serious and organised crime.

Riley was jailed for a minimum of 34 years on Friday, 12 September 2025 after being convicted of three counts of attempted murder and grievous bodily harm.

The trial heard how Riley had plotted for an unknown gunman to kill rival gang members of an organised crime network by opening fire at a restaurant in Kingsland Road, Dalston in May 2024.

During the attack, the nine-year-old girl was shot in the head while eating ice cream with her family inside the restaurant. Her family have previously described the profound emotional, physical, mental and financial impact the shooting has had on their lives.

Detective Inspector Ben Dalloway, who led the investigation said: “The process we used to obtain this confiscation was the first of its kind for the Met Police and demonstrates our continued efforts to hold criminals to account and ensure no one profits from organised crime.

“Alongside our investigation into the shooting, our officers also examined Riley’s finances. During a search of his address, they recovered thousands of pounds in cash.

“It became the team’s mission to take the money out of Riley’s hands and ensure he could not continue to profit from criminality.

“We recognise that no amount of money can undo the devastating impact this shooting has had on this young girl and her family. However, we hope this outcome demonstrates our commitment to pursuing every available avenue to seek justice for victims of crime.”

An investigation was launched on Wednesday, 29 May 2024 after police were called to reports of gunshots outside a restaurant in Kingsland Road, Dalston.

The nine-year-old girl and three other men were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds.

Enquiries revealed how the gunman pulled up outside the restaurant on a stolen Ducati Monster motorbike before opening fire at the window.

Detectives were able to establish that Riley had repeatedly scoped the area in the lead up to the shooting, sitting in a bar opposite in order to establish a plan for the gunman. On the evening of the incident, Riley drove from north London in a stolen car and travelled past the restaurant on several occasions to ensure that the intended targets were present.

After the shooting, Riley ensured the shooter escaped, taking him from the scene and disposing of the firearm.

Appeal for information

While extensive enquiries have been carried out, the gunman is yet to be identified.

If anyone has information relating to this incident, please contact the Met via 101, quoting 8082/29MAY24 or 01/402921/24.

People can also get in touch through independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 – all information shared here remains anonymous.