A man has been jailed for the shooting of a rival which left him blind last summer.

Roger Aiken, 34, was given an indeterminate sentence and told he must serve a minimum of 15 years after being found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a firearm on Tuesday (April 10).

His 38 year old victim was with friends on the way to a party close to Creek Road in Barking when he was shot at point-blank range with a handgun.

The gunman then shot at a vehicle which contained the victim’s friends - but no-one else was injured - before making off in an Audi TT car, police said.

Officers were called at 6.30am to the crime scene, which was by an industrial estate.

Aiken’s victim, who was known to him, suffered head injuries which have left him permanently blind. The bullet remains lodged under his right eye and he is also still receiving treatment for an arm injury he sustained in the attack.

Aiken, of Springett House, St Matthews Road, Brixton, was arrested on September 1 and charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Following the trial at the Old Bailey, investigating Officer Det Con Abbie Warde, of Trident, said: “Roger Aiken is a dangerous man who believed that he could avoid justice. Communities in London are safer for his imprisonment.

“This sentence sends out a clear message to those who are involved in gun crime and they should take note that the police and criminal justice system will not tolerate this type of violent behaviour.”