Attacker of elderly man sentenced

Kyt · 23-10-2007, 03:48 AM

I have read this story several times and I still can't believe that the attacker only got a supervision order.

I'm not Mail-reading, lock'em all up and throw away the key type of guy, but some form of custodial sentence is deserved for an unprovoked attack, not matter what the age of the victim.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7056325.stm

Quote:

A man who left a 96-year-old war veteran blind in one eye after attacking him on a packed tram has been given a three-year supervision order.

Stephen Gordon, 44, launched his unprovoked attack on Shah Chaudury in Croydon, south London, in December.

Gordon, from Croydon, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm after the attack was caught on CCTV, Croydon Crown Court heard.

The British Transport Police said they were "disappointed" with the sentence.

Walking sticks

"The blow to the victim's head caused serious injury, which has resulted in the victim losing sight in one eye," said Det Sgt Darren Stenning.

"And unfortunately since this assault, the victim's health has deteriorated and he now resides in a care home."

The attack took place on a tram travelling between Sandilands and East Croydon on December 14 last year.

Gordon had tried to push past the victim, who was standing in the aisle leaning on his walking sticks.*

As he squeezed under the pensioner's arms his hat was knocked off and he swore at the man and punched him in the face.

Police said two school children who were on the tram chased Gordon. They later gave evidence against him.

*scares the crap out of me - the thought that one day I could be on the bus with my walking stick and some thug attacks me if I happened to block his way, or lurch slightly against him, or anything else that sometimes happens.

Antipodean Andy · 23-10-2007, 03:57 AM

Pathetic sentence for a pathetic individual.

spidge · 23-10-2007, 04:32 AM

Another disgrace notched up to the courts. Would be good to know if this Stephen Gordon owned a house or property so the victim could sue him in the civil court.

Kyt · 23-10-2007, 04:44 AM

A slightly more detailed report on the case. One or two points that the BBC left out:

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/a...ree/article.do

Kitty · 23-10-2007, 12:11 PM

Evil little bastard. Glad to see the school kids tried to get their hands on him though. I hope someone gives him the kicking he deserves.