Four from Lewisham who were armed with firearm and knives are put away for total of 52 years

Four Lewisham men have been jailed for a total of 52 years after a minicab stopped by police in Deptford led to the recovery of a loaded firearm and three large knives.

Jamal Francis, 21, was detained within the vehicle and a large black and orange handled knife was found down the back of his trousers.

Jarell McKenzie, 20, was detained after a short chase after he attempted to run away from the scene. He was found to be in possession of a large knife and a bag of cannabis.

Gregton Bower, 19, ran for quite a distance while being followed by armed police officers. While being chased, Bower threw a samurai sword into bushes in Broadway Fields. He was eventually detained and arrested in New Butt Lane, Deptford. Bower also had a bag of cannabis.

The fourth man managed to get away, however extensive CCTV and forensic lines of enquiry led to the arrest of James Rowland, 21, on June 30 last year.

A search of the car recovered a loaded firearm in the rear of the vehicle.

All four defendants were found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life at Woolwich Crown Court on January 9. Francis, McKenzie and Bower also pleaded guilty to possession of the knives at the time of their arrest.

On Friday, the four were sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court. Francis, of Adenmore Road, was jailed for 16 years, McKenzie, of Avon Road, was jailed for nine years, Bower, of Lewisham Way, was jailed for 13 years and Rowland, of Breakspears Road, was jailed for 14 years.

DCI Lewis Sanderson, of the Met’s Specialist Crime department, said: “These sentences reflect the seriousness of the men’s offences. They were travelling in a car with a gun and numerous large knives.

“Thankfully we will never know the harm they would have inflicted that day, but it seems reasonable to speculate that this investigation and these arrests could well have saved a life.

“There is, clearly, no place for these weapons on our streets. London, and in particular Lewisham, is a much safer place with these men in prison.

“I urge everyone to share what they know about the men of violence. Please tell us who is carrying a potentially lethal weapon, since every single piece of information is crucial. If you don’t want to speak with police directly, then contact the independent charity Crimestoppers.”

The investigation, codenamed Operation Chanco, was launched in the spring of 2023. On June 1, 2023, armed police stopped a minicab in Cranbrook Road, Deptford. All four passengers in the vehicle attempted to escape from police.

Pictured top: The gang jailed for weapon possession, from left, Jamal Francis, James Rowland, Jarell McKenzie and Gregton Bower (Pictures: The Met)