Temidire Owolabi Found Guilty of Attempted Cakes and Shakes Murder

An Essex man was reduced to tears before exploding with rage at a jury who found him guilty of attempted murder.

Temidire Owolabi, 21, of no fixed abode, was convicted of shooting a man in the Cakes and Shakes cafe in Woodford Green, east London.

Owolabi stormed into the milkshake parlour on 14 November and shot 24-year-old James Bryant in the chest and arm with a pistol. The victim, who formerly owned the business, spent two months in hospital recovering from the attack.

A second man, Romaine Arthur, 23,of Chingford, Essex, is believed to have been involved in the incident and has been charged conspiracy to murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Kenny McDonald, the senior investigating officer from the Metropolitan Police Trident gang crime squad, said: "The shop is on a busy high street and often frequented by children.

"With no regard for the safety of anyone in the premises, Owolabi burst through the door, raised his gun and fired it, shooting the victim twice.

"The victim is lucky to be alive. It was only by chance that no one else was hurt or seriously wounded. To have such complete disregard for human life is deplorable and I hope Owolabi will spend many years in prison contemplating the consequences of his actions.

"This attempted murder was the result of a minor disagreement between the victim and Romaine Arthur. Law-abiding citizens in our communities resolve such disagreements without violence. The communities we serve will be a much safer place as a result of today's verdict."

When the jury gave its verdict, Owolabi told them they would "burn in hell" and then gestured angrily toward the public gallery.

A female member of the jury was left in tears after the outburst, which ended when six men restrained Owolabi.

Owolabi will remain in custody while he waits for sentencing, which has yet to be scheduled.