Three men have been jailed after police discovered rap lyrics that one of them had written, about his involvement in a murder.
Rajae Heslop, 22, Saharded Hassan, 28, and Irwin Constable, 20, were all found guilty of murder and attempted murder following the drive-by moped shooting of Leon Maxwell, 38.
Maxwell was shot and killed near Queensbury station in London in May 2018 - another man was injured in the incident.
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The gunmen mistakenly believed bodybuilder Maxwell and his friend were members of the Queensbury Boys gang.
Following the shooting, Heslop fled the country but was arrested upon his return a year later.
Police found a rap song in which Heslop boasted about his involvement in the murder.
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A police statement said: "Heslop was identified but he had fled the country. He was arrested more than a year after the investigation was launched, having returned to UK thinking it was safe to do so.
"A thorough search of his home address by officers revealed a set of lyrics which he had written in what police say depicted his involvement in the murder of Leon Maxwell."
Heslop and Constable were both found guilty of the murder, alongside Hassan who arranged the hit.
Hassan was jailed for life with a minimum sentence of 32 years. Heslop also received a life sentence and was told he must serve at least 28 years.
Constable, who was 17 at the time of the murder, was given life with a minimum of 24 years.
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Judge Rebecca Poulet said the killing was ''wicked, mindless violence that appears to have been made out to the wrong target'.
Maxwell's family said in a statement read to the court: "Why? Why would someone decide to kill our boy that night?
"Each day we live with a huge gap that is left. We pray justice will be served as justice is all we have left."
Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin, said: "The investigation team has worked tirelessly since 2018 to get to the truth about what happened on Essoldo Way in order to not only bring those involved before the courts, but to get some form of resolution for Leon's family.
"This case highlights that even when suspects make every attempt to hide their identities, through hard work and forensic opportunities, we will always endeavour to find them.
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"Three men involved this murder have been given lengthy prison sentences, the professed gang leader Saharded Hassan received 32 years for his involvement.
"I would encourage anyone with information regarding gun crime to contact police. Together, we can take these dangerous weapons off of our streets and make London safer for everyone."
Featured Image Credit: Met Police