TOTO: PAIR SET TO FACE RETRIAL OVER SHOOTING

Two men accused of shooting a suspected ‘snitch’ seven times at close range could be facing a retrial after jurors failed reach verdicts.

Cedric Toto and Thomas Cudjoe, both 28, were charged with attempted murder after Samson Obasusi was shot in the chest and head in August 2010.

But after a six-week trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, jurors were unable to agree on a verdict.

The jury was discharged today after deliberating for 19 hours and 15 minutes over the last seven days.

Toto and Cudjoe were remanded in custody until November 16, when prosecutors are expected to decide whether to pursue a retrial.

The jury had earlier cleared Brian Decktor, 23, of attempted murder and Mputu Kasabele, 36, of threatening Mr Obasusi with an imitation firearm.

The court heard that Mr Obasusi had been walking in the Porter’s Avenue area of Barking, Essex, on July 22 last year when he a car pulled up and someone inside him branded him a ‘snitch’ in relation to an incident in 2006.

A week later, on 31 July, Mr Obasusi was shot as he sat in a BMW in Maxey Road in Dagenham.
 
Mr Obasusi suffered serious injuries, but survived after hospital treatment.

Toto, of (29) Bromhall Road, Dagenham, denies attempted murder and making threats to kill.

Cudjoe, of (61) Richmond Road, Ilford, Essex, denies making threats to kill and possessing a firearm, intending to cause fear of violence.

He also denies assisting an offender by taking a Browning pistol and a phone SIM card.

Decktor, of (95) Raydons Road, Dagenham, was cleared of attempted murder.

Kasabele, of (21) Gurney Close, Barking, was cleared of making threats to kill and possessing an imitation firearm, intending to cause fear of violence.

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