April 2, 2001 17:31: TWO RASTAFARIANS who took part in a Yardie gang-shooting outside a London temple, which left a man dead, were sentenced to five years' imprisonment at the Old Bailey.

Sydenham resident Garfield Stewart, aged 23, and his brother Gayon, of Nottingham, were found guilty of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

The court heard how the brothers were members of a gang of four men who fired bullets into the Rastafarian Temple in Kennington on September 29, 1999, after being kicked out for dealing drugs.

The jury heard how mystery still surrounds the shooting.

Following the initial five shots fired by the gang, nearby residents said they heard shots returned in what was described in court as a "gun battle".

In the chaos which followed, 40-year-old Junior Collins, who was visiting from Jamaica, was shot dead. There were no witnesses to the slaying.

The court heard how Garfield Stewart was furious at being turned away from the temple, and was heard saying: "Those guys don't have any respect for Rasta people", shortly before the shooting.

Elders at the temple were said to be infuriated by the youngsters' drug-dealing, and were alarmed by their talk of guns.

The jury was told there had been tension between the older and young members of the temple for some time.

Stewart was acquitted of Collins' murder, but was found guilty, along with his brother Gayon, of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Both were jailed for five years.