Three men involved in a drive-by shooting in Essex have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms following their conviction on charges including attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, firearm offences, and burglary. The incident occurred in April 2025 in Crays Hill, Essex, where the defendants, motivated by a dispute between rival groups, fired multiple shotgun rounds at a van, narrowly missing the driver.

Johnny Smith, 20, Donny Archer, 27, and Nelson Buckland, 21, were identified as the perpetrators in the attack. Investigations revealed that Smith and Archer had stolen shotguns and an Audi vehicle used during the shooting. After the incident, the three men attempted to evade capture by altering their appearances and booking hotels under false names. Despite these efforts, police successfully tracked down the suspects, with video footage capturing Smith’s arrest on a rural road.

At Chelmsford Crown Court, all three men were found guilty of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, in addition to firearm and burglary offences related to the theft of the weapons and vehicle. Archer, from Tiptree, Essex, received the longest sentence of 18 years' imprisonment. Smith, a resident of Crays Hill, was sentenced to 13 years, while Buckland, from Romford, East London, was handed a 12-year term.

The case highlights the severity with which the courts are responding to firearm-related violence and the use of stolen property in criminal activity. Police noted the coordinated nature of the attack and the defendants’ subsequent attempts to avoid detection. The sentencing aims to send a clear message regarding consequences for those involved in such dangerous crimes.