Eight individuals linked to a violent gang will be sentenced for their roles in a series of escalating attacks in Watford last summer—culminating in a shooting on the A41 that shocked the community.

The cases, investigated by detectives from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit in collaboration with Operation Thwart—a team dedicated to tackling serious street violence—were brought together before Reading Crown Court.

The first incident took place on 23 July 2024, when a man in his 20s was stabbed during an assault at Maeme’s Chicken Grill in Clarendon Rd, Watford. Marcel Gordon, now 19 and of Garsmouth Way, was convicted of grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent and possession of a bladed article following a unanimous jury verdict.

Just a day later, on 24 July, a second victim was discovered with stab wounds at an address on Brocklesbury Close. Four individuals pleaded guilty to GBH with intent and possession of a bladed article in relation to the attack: Desmond Bonato, 19, of Raphael Drive; Emmanjuel Nyanutenha, 18, of King Georges Avenue; and two 17-year-old boys, one from London and another from Kent. The victim has since recovered.

The violence reached a critical point on 25 July. What began as a disturbance in Meriden Way Park escalated into a drive-by shooting on the A41 just hours later. A man travelling on an e-bike was shot following an altercation with occupants of a black BMW. He sustained a gunshot wound but fortunately made a full recovery.

Desmond Bonato, aged 19 and of Raphael Drive, Watford, also pleaded guilty to violent disorder at an earlier hearing.

The shooter, 27-year-old Hekmat Galmne of Village Way, Pinner, was convicted of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. A 17-year-old boy from Watford, believed to be a passenger in the BMW, was found guilty of GBH with intent and firearm possession, though acquitted of attempted murder.

Several of the suspects were also convicted of or admitted to charges of violent disorder and possession of weapons. Carlito Dujon, 20, of Dodd Road, pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm and a bladed article related to the A41 incident, and to firearm possession in a separate case under Operation Thwart.

As sentencing looms, the court prepares to impose justice for a string of offences that cast a shadow over the town in the summer of 2024. Authorities say the coordinated investigations and prosecutions mark a strong stance against serious street violence.

Detective Inspector Mark Butler, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: “I would like to thank my dedicated team who have worked extremely hard investigating the shooting and violent disorder incident.

“The complexities of this investigation cannot be understated, and it is thanks to their meticulous attention to detail that we were able to bring this case to court. I’d also like to thank the Operation Thwart team who we have worked closely with and shared the ultimate goal of securing convictions for those who committed these offences.
“I’d also like to thank the brave members of the public who responded to such a dangerous incident, gave evidence during the trial and played a crucial role in our enquiries.
“This result proves we will go to great lengths to hold people who use such extreme violence in such a reckless and careless manner to account.”
Detective Inspector Michael Ball, from the Operation Thwart Team, added: “This result reiterates that there is no place for violence in Hertfordshire. I’d like to thank my team who have worked tirelessly to ensure these dangerous individuals have been removed from the streets of Watford.

“We are committed to ensuring that we respond robustly to these types of incidents and hope this result sends a warning to anyone who thinks they can commit these crimes in our county that they are not welcome and will face the full force of the law.”

The verdicts were delivered on (Wednesday 25 June) at Reading Crown Court after a four-and-a-half-week trial.

They are all due to be sentenced on 21 November 2025.