A gunman who shot a man dead inside a snooker hall has been convicted of murder.

Jeton Krasniqi, 27, fired at 27-year-old barber Grineo Daka inside the Phoenix Snooker Club in Leyton just before 3am on July 7 2019.

Mr Daka, from Stratford, had been involved in an argument over a girl the night before at the same club. He and his friend had gone back to the club to discuss this when they were attacked.

Mr Daka was shot once in the chest and his 21-year-old friend was also caught by a bullet on his foot before the attackers fled.

Paramedics arrived soon after but were unable to save Mr Daka who died at the scene. His friend was taken to hospital where the bullet was removed.

The scene of the fatal Leyton shooting on July 7. Photo: Antony Shelly

The scene of the fatal Leyton shooting on July 7. Photo: Antony Shelly

Following a trial at the Old Bailey which concluded today (Tuesday May 25), Krasniqi, of Dagenham, was convicted of murder and wounding with intent.

Co-defendant Edison Brahimi, 30, was convicted of two counts of perverting the course of justice in the same trial. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) says this related to Brahimi’s conduct after the murder which included driving Krasniqi away from the scene and staying away from his Camden home in an attempt to frustrate the police investigation.

A further defendant Liridon Saliuka, 29, was charged with murder and was due to be tried but died in prison before the trial.

Jeton Krasniqi, left, and Edison Brahimi. Credit: CPS

Jeton Krasniqi, left, and Edison Brahimi. Credit: CPS

Samantha Yelland, from the CPS, said: "This was a senseless and brazen murder in the middle of a snooker hall filled with more than 50 people. Gun violence in the capital has devasted yet another family.

"Jeton Krasniqi fired at his victim who was unarmed and died at the scene. Edison Brahimi who was with Krasniqi at the time made sure their tracks were covered by driving them away from the club.

"The prosecution case included CCTV footage showing Krasniqi throwing the gun used in the murder over a balcony before fleeing. Police were able to recover this gun intact just two gardens away. A search of the club also led to the discovery of a bottle of Corona beer with Brahimi’s fingerprints on it – making it clear that he had been there.

"Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mr Daka at this time."