A security boss once credited with leading he figh

A security boss once credited with leading he fight against Yardie gun crime was acquitted of his part in the execution of a bouncer at the Old Bailey today.

(thurs)

Vincent ‘Rat’ Atkins, 42, renounced his criminal past and was seen as a figurehead behind Lambeth’s gun firearm amnesty in 1997.

But Atkins, who has clinched a series of lucrative security contracts working for some of the ragga music industry’s biggest stars, was accused of the murder of Richard Parkinson, 29, at a ‘Beenie Man’ concert at the Rex Nightclub in Stratford, east London.

As 2,500 music fans poured into a Beenie Man concert at the Rex Nightclub in Stratford, east London, Atkins, the boss of Rat Security, had complained at the indignity of his rivals on the door asking to search him.

A row broke out and Atkins, who did not think he should be treated in the same way as other punters, was alleged to have returned with a posse including armed ‘bodyguard’ Joseph Francis, 36.

Sir John Nutting, QC, said Atkins was outraged because the doormen had shown him disrespect, adding: ‘It was that heinous sin of dissing.

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While Atkins was held by a security man Francis had been accused of pulling a gun out of his puffa jacket and peppering the nightclub foyer with bullets.

One of the doormen Sherman Meikle (corr) felt a ‘burning sensation’ to his right arm after the shots were fired and realised he had been shot although not seriously injured.

A bullet also glanced off another member of staff Miss Timmi Twumasi and she was left with just a grazed arm.

Both were lucky.

But Mr Parkinson, who had been in the security business for four years, based at a university during weekdays, was not so fortunate.

He was mortally wounded by the bullet that penetrated his chest between the edges of his bulletproof vest.

But there was applause from the public gallery as Atkins and Francis were cleared of murder, manslaughter, and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Judge David Paget, QC, had directed the jury to acquit Atkins, of Atlantic Road, Brixton, and Francis, of Unity Close, Norwood, of two charges of assault causing actual bodily harm, in respect of security the staff injured in the shooting, and affray.

Friends of the two cheered and shouted ‘yes’ as the verdicts were announced.

Francis, who was alone in the dock after Atkins refused to stay in court, turned to the jury and said: ‘That’s very good – thank you.

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But an hysterical relative of Mr Parkinson ran out of court screaming and wailing as the two were cleared.

Atkins’ barrister Courtney Griffiths apologised to the judge for his client not being in court.

But earlier in the trial diminutive Atkins stormed out of the witness box and refused to give any further evidence amid dramatic courtroom scenes.

He did not return to face cross-examination by the prosecution.

But Atkins had shouted from the witness box to his Francis: ‘Did I get you to shoot anyone?’

Francis called back across the court: ‘No you didn’t.

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And Judge Paget left the bench as Atkins ranted: ‘I’m innocent, I’m so innocent.

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He went on to claim vital video evidence had been concealed to frame him and Francis for the shooting on the night of April 11 last year.

Sir John had conceded that it was unfortunate that security cameras at the rear entrance were of no use because they were pointed straight at a drainpipe.

A defence barrister for Atkins had claimed at an earlier hearing that Atkins and Francis were scapegoats for a killing actually perpetrated by ticket agency boss Keith Balfour, 32.

Mr Balfour, 32, was shot dead by two black men armed with machine guns at his company premises ‘Big Ballers’ in Brockley Cross, on the day that Atkins and Francis were charged.

Atkins had the nickname ‘Vincent Rat’ after his security firm which he had been running for years.

When the Met launched a major offensive against Yardie crime in Brixton, Atkins became a figurehead in the operation.

He was seen as a man who had led a life of crime but had cleaned up his act to become a community-conscious citizen.

He posed for television cameras in his new-found role as a crime fighter and, in the gun amnesty he claims to have inspired, spoke out at Lambeth’s Police-Community Consultative Group.

Francis was said to be an ‘associate’ of Atkins, having worked for his company as a security guard in the past.

International promoter Horace Murphy, who runs a firm called the Production Company, had arranged the Beenie Man’s tour last year.

And the Crown had contended that Atkins was annoyed at not being asked to provide his firm’s services for the international ragga star.

At first the gig had been set to take place at the Alexandra Palace but it was moved to the Rex for the night of April 11 last year.

‘This London event was to be the culmination of the tour and Atkins gave the impression to the head of the Production Company arranging the tour that he wished to be part of the security arrangements for the tour,’ said Sir John.

The court was told that security guards manned the front and rear of the premises with dogs to control the crowds.

‘The whole team responsible for the organisation were determined that each ticket holder would be searched before entry, searched for weapons, searched for drugs and searched for alcohol.

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The court heard that the security team, armed with a metal detector, hoped to prevent any outbreaks of violence involving guns or knives.

The prosecutor explained that ticket holders were asked to queue at an entrance at the rear of the building while those hoping to get in on the night were told to come in through the front doors.

Atkins was seen to arrive at the venue with Francis, who was not so well known, but was conspicuous by the fact he was wearing a distinctive heavy gold chain around his neck.

‘Shortly before 9pm Atkins entered the foyer.

It was obvious he regarded himself as a person who should not be subject to the indignity of a search,’ continued Sir John.

‘He also complained about the dogs that were present.

When someone suggested he had to be treated just as everyone else he said such rules should not be applied to him.

Francis, with the big gold chain, was behind him.

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Another security guard at the rear entrance just brushed Atkins aside and while he protested at being ‘dissed’ the event’s organisers tried to calm him down and ‘reduce the temperature.

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After a short time Francis walked up Stratford High Street and he returned a short time later still wearing the gold chain and a yellow puffer jacket.

And Atkins, who continued to row with the organisers, then tried to barge his way past guards to get into the event, still insisting that he should not be searched.

He said ‘do you think I’m a fool’ as he was stopped and added ‘I’m going to get my tings’ and mouthed threats as he walked up Bridge Terrace.

Shortly afterwards Atkins returned to the rear entrance with a ‘posse in support,’ alleged Sir John.

‘Atkins lashed out with his fist hitting security guard Jason Jones with a glancing low to his left eye brow.

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Atkins was then grabbed by a guard as punches were thrown and his ‘posse was attempting to push security people aside shouting that they were not going to be searched,’ said the prosecutor.

Meanwhile Francis was seen to calmly walk past the melee and say something to Atkins.

‘Then Francis pulled out a gun from his clothing and holding it up in the air he fired it at the entrance at least three times,’ said Sir John.

While security staff and music fans alike cowered in terror Francis then asked: ‘Who’s next?’ in a challenge to any bystander tempted to intervene or bring him or his minder to justice.

According to eye witnesses Atkins appeared ‘almost nonchalant’ as he walked away from the scene with his armed ‘bodyguard’ Francis.

Atkins was then seen to get into a car with its engine running and he said to several members of the Production Company: ‘See, I told you the security men were disrespecting.

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And he told promotor ‘Bagger John’ who helped put on the gig that he should get better security, adding:

‘I know how to deal with people.

I’m the best in the business.

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Police investigating the shooting

But film footage from cameras at the front of the building showed the defendants movements prior to the shooting.

The trial continues.

ends

clear.