Acton Gun Man Jailed for 24 Years

After murder in NW10

An Acton man sent to jail for 24 years last week after he was convicted of murder at the Old Bailey.

Jermaine Biddulph of Perry Avenue, Acton and aged 24 was found guilty at the Central Criminal Court of the attempted murder of Terry Nicholas in Huxley Gardens, NW10 April 22nd last year.

He was also found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

On Sunday April 22nd, shortly after 7 p.m., Terry Nicholas was talking to a plain clothes police officer in Huxley Gardens, NW10. As they were talking, a Vauxhall Vectra, containing a number of people, stopped nearby.

Jermaine Biddulph got out of the Vectra, walked towards Nicholas and the officer, aimed a gun in their direction and fired at least three shots at them, hitting Nicholas three times. Both Nicholas and the Officer dived to the floor.

The defendant went back to the nearby car, but returned a few moments later.

He lifted the gun up, as if to fire again, but then paused and returned to the Vectra without firing.

The shooting of Terry Nicholas appears to have been the culmination of a series of three shootings.

The first shooting had taken place shortly before 10pm on Friday night (20th April), 2 days earlier in Acton. The second shooting took place about two hours after the first outside Terry Nicholas's home address at 60 Huxley Gardens, Park Royal.

Biddulph was found not guilty of the attempted murder of DC Neil Webb during the same incident. However, in addition to the 24 year sentence, he was also given a further 15 years for being in possession of a firearm. The sentences will run concurrently.

The Judge gave a recommendation that DC Neil Webb receive a Commendation for bravery.

The incidents were investigated by Operation Trident.

June 23, 2008