Old Bailey murder jury rejects evidence from supergrass

Detectives were left shocked today after an Old Bailey jury rejected the evidence of their star supergrass witness in a double murder trial.

Crown lawyers must now decide whether further trials involving the ex-gangster turned supergrass can go ahead.

The detectives from Operation Trident — set up to investigate black on black crime, particularly gang murders — considered the witness, who cannot be named for legal reasons, to be their most important convert. They were stunned by the not guilty verdict. He had told the jury how he had seen Shakah Anderson, 28, of Bristol, open fire as Dizzee Rascal rapped at an anti-guns event seven years ago.

The jury was told that the former gangster has a long criminal record and came forward to win a substantially reduced sentence.

Anderson denied shooting Mohamed Korneh and Selorn Gbesenete, both 21, of Southall, in 2002.

"I am not the gunman, I'm none of that. I'm not running up and down with a gun trying to kill," he said.

Anderson, 28, of Bristol, had pleaded not guilty to two charges of murder. Judge Gerald Gordon discharged him and he walked free.