REKER AHMED left Iraq because it was dangerous – and came to leafy Croydon for safety. In Croydon, he was violently attacked by a crowd of racists while he was waiting at a bus stop. They nearly killed him.
Police have been systemically finding and charging the members of the gang who attacked Reker. The latest two Croydon men to go on trial – George Jeffrey, 21, of Uvedale Close and Ben Harman, 21, of Akabusi Close – have now been convicted on two counts of violent disorder after a three week trial at Croydon Crown Court.
Last August James Neves, 23, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder.
Last November, George Walder, 21, of Myrtle Road and Liam Neylon, 20, of Ferris Avenue, and a 17 year old male were found guilty on two counts of violent disorder. That trial took six weeks.
Last December a 17 year old woman from Croydon pleaded guilty to one count of affray.
The recent verdict brings the number of people convicted to seven, and they will all return to court on 2nd March for sentencing. Six other individuals were acquitted.
Detective Superintendent Jane Corrigan, from Croydon Borough, said, “This was a truly disgraceful and brutal assault on a young man who was simply out enjoying his night. The victim’s friends who witnessed the incident said they thought the suspects were going to kill their friend. Having seriously assaulted him, they were compelled to go back and attack him further.
“The injuries he suffered were so significant that he is now experiencing long-lasting trauma as a result. I hope some solace can be taken in the fact that my officers have worked diligently in bringing the offenders to justice; and today’s result is a testament to their hard work and determination to hold those responsible to account.”
The police have done great work, piecing together CCTV and personal videos of the attack, in identifying and finding the suspects and preparing the court cases. But Reker Ahmed, who was just 17 when he was attacked, suffered a fractured spine, a fractured eye socket and a bleed to the brain. Where are the charges of attempted murder?
•Read more about this story: Ahmed condition serious: police seek three key suspects Croydon attack: eight in custody Hate crime in Croydon: asylum seeker attacked
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