British Rap producer get 30 years for murder
Found this on Eircom.net
So Solid Crew producer gets life for murder
From:Reuters
Friday, 28th October, 2005
LONDON (Reuters) - A producer of the rap group So Solid Crew, Carl Morgan, was jailed for life for murder on Friday for shooting dead a love rival.
But an Old Bailey jury failed to agree a verdict against a co-defendant, the band's lead singer Dwayne Vincent -- aka Megaman.
Megaman, also accused of murder, is alleged to have urged Morgan to shoot the victim. He will face a second trial on March 20.
So Solid Crew, who have about 30 members, have been dogged by controversy since rising to fame with their hit "21 Seconds" three years ago.
They have been criticised for references to guns and violence. But that allegation was denied by Megaman when he sang a few choruses to the judge and jury while giving evidence in his defence.
Morgan, 24, blasted Colin Scarlett, 24, three times in the chest, neck and hand in a street confrontation that was "more reminiscent of the Wild West", said prosecuting lawyer Richard Horwell.
Jailing Morgan for a minimum of 30 years before he can be considered for parole, Judge Brian Barker said: "You have taken away a young life. Although his friends and family will get used to his death, they will never get over it.
"Gun crime is the scourge of the streets and causes misery and distress. It will not be tolerated."
The court heard that Morgan shot Scarlett, who was dating his ex-girlfriend, in an act of revenge.
Earlier in the day on November 6 last year, Morgan had received a humiliating beating at the hands of Scarlett and he was seeking retribution.
Copyright (2005) Reuters. Click for Restrictions
