Two jailed for Bexleyheath nightclub shooting

Two men have been sentenced to a combined 55 years in prison for their roles in a shooting outside a Bexleyheath nightclub on January 4. Marvin Bulle was jailed for 35 years for attempted murder and possession of a firearm, while Carlos Parks received a 20-year sentence for grievous bodily harm with intent and firearm possession. The victim, aged 30, survived the attack after being shot in the face at close range.

Attack after nightclub altercation

The incident occurred in the early hours of January 4 on Bexleyheath Broadway, following what police described as a minor altercation. The 30-year-old victim had been at the nightclub with friends and was attacked as they left the venue. During the confrontation, one of the attackers was knocked unconscious. Shortly after, a gun was fired twice at the victim, with one bullet striking him below the eye. He spent eight days in critical care, suffering a bullet lodged in his spine and almost losing sight in his right eye.

Detective Inspector Raymond Sekalongo described the victim's survival as "nothing short of a miracle". The Metropolitan Police stated that both men are dangerous and showed disregard for carrying a firearm on London's streets. The force highlighted its commitment to bringing those who commit serious violence to justice.

Dash camera footage and recovery

Marvin Bulle was captured on ambulance dash camera footage firing the weapon at the victim. Carlos Parks acted as the getaway driver, crashing their vehicle into a lamppost approximately 100 metres from the shooting scene. The court heard that CCTV footage showed Parks and Bulle discussing a firearm before the shooting. Bulle was seen retrieving an item from the car and making a motion consistent with cocking a gun as he returned to the scene, with Parks following slowly in the car. The shooting itself was recorded by the dash camera of a London Ambulance Service response car that had been called to assist someone else involved in an earlier fight.

The gun used in the attack, identified as a converted starter pistol, was recovered months later during an unrelated investigation. Forensic analysis linked the weapon to the shooting. Parks was arrested within 14 hours of the incident, while Bulle was apprehended ten days later in Mistley after fleeing to Suffolk and then Essex.

Bulle was found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life in August, and subsequently jailed on October 9. Parks was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life in August, leading to his 20-year sentence. The victim is living with life-changing injuries.

What happens next

Both Marvin Bulle and Carlos Parks are now serving their sentences. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the firearm used in the incident has been recovered, removing a weapon from circulation.