An 18-year-old from Lewisham has been charged with conspiracy to murder in relation to the recent shooting of the prominent activist Sasha Johnson.

Cameron Deriggs, 18, from Bromley Hill in Lewisham appeared at Westminster Magistrates court on Saturday morning. He did not give an indication of plea in court.

Deriggs is being held in custody and will now appear at the Old Bailey on June 25 alongside four other men who were also arrested on Wednesday in connection with the attack before being released on bail.

Johnson, 27 was shot in the head in the early hours of May 23 while attending a friend’s party in Peckham.

Four men in dark clothing were reported to have infiltrated the garden party before firing shots that hit Johnson and one other man, he is believed to be in stable condition. 

Carol Udenze, for the prosecution told the court on Saturday that the police did not believe Johnson was the intended target. She added: “The Crowns case is that the defendant, in agreement with others, conspired to murder somebody at that address.”

Johnson, an Oxford graduate and mother of two was a prominent figure in the Black Lives Matter movement of 2020 and a key founder and member of the Taking the Initiative party which has been dubbed as “Britain’s first black-led political party.”

She currently remains in hospital with serious injuries and in critical condition. A vigil was held for her in Ruskin Park, close to where she is being treated at Kings College hospital on Monday.

Officers are continuing an appeal for anyone with any information to come forward. Detective Chief Inspector Richard Leonard from the Metropolitan police said:

“While the investigation remains in its early stages, these arrests show that progress is being made.”

“However, I would continue to appeal to those who may hold information about the events that led to Sasha receiving her horrific injuries, or about those responsible, to do the right thing and come forward and speak to police.”