Hafedh Rashid

Hafedh Rashid, identified as being 22 years old at the time of his sentencing and residing in Paragon Close, Newham, was involved in a significant criminal case in the UK related to gang activity and weapons offenses.

Key Facts and Charges:

In May 2018, Rashid, along with Kevin Tshoma and a 16-year-old boy, was observed by police acting suspiciously around a VW Golf in Britannia Court, Barking. Rashid was seen opening the car door and picking up a bag before heading towards an underground car park. The group was part of an East London gang that created threatening videos to taunt rival groups.

Following a proactive surveillance operation by the Met's Trident and Area Command, officers found a loaded shotgun, cartridges, a loaded revolver, four bullets, disposable gloves with gunshot residue, a baseball bat, and a machete in the VW Golf. The prosecution alleged that Rashid and his co-defendants were members of a gang known as the Beckton Boys or ACG and used the vehicle to store weapons for gang-related activities.

Rashid was found guilty of multiple charges, including:

• Possession of ammunition.
• Possession of a loaded revolver with intent to endanger life.
• Possession of a loaded shotgun with intent to endanger life.
• Two counts of possession of an offensive weapon (a baseball bat and a machete).

Court Appearances and Decisions:

The trial took place at Snaresbrook Crown Court in December 2018. On June 14, 2019, Hafedh Rashid and Kevin Tshoma were each sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment. The 16-year-old co-defendant was to be sentenced at a later date.

Rashid subsequently appealed his conviction. The case, R v Rashid (Hafedh) EWCA Crim 2018, concerned the correct approach for a trial judge regarding bad character evidence from a police officer with expertise in gang membership, including the interpretation of music lyrics. The Court of Appeal judgment, issued on November 5, 2019, identified shortcomings in the trial judge's directions to the jury, particularly the lack of clear, focused directions on the use of gang evidence and the absence of written directions or a route to verdict. However, the court found that the judge's directions did cover key points, such as the jury needing to be sure of gang membership and that membership alone did not establish guilt.

Public court records also show appearances for a "RASHID Hafedh" at Snaresbrook Crown Court on June 9, 2026, and May 6, 2026, under reference 01KD1030226. The type of hearing for these recent dates is not specified.