Man jailed for attacking Malaysian student in London riots
LONDON - Agence France-Presse
REUTERS Photo
A British court on Friday jailed a man for seven years for breaking a Malaysian student's jaw during the London riots in one of the most notorious incidents of last year's disorder.Beau Isagba, 18, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to grievous bodily harm and robbery for attacking 21-year-old Asyraf Haziq Rosli and stealing his bicycle in Barking in east London on August 8 last year.
Footage of the aftermath of the attack, when two men posing as Good Samaritans stole items from the rucksack of the bloodied victim, was posted on YouTube and became one of the defining images of the unrest.
Judge Witold Pawlak told Wood Green Crown Court in north London that Isagba would serve his term in a young offenders' institution and that he could expect to be released on licence after 42 months.
"This sentence will, I hope, make other like-minded people think before they behave in a similar way to you, and also reassure the public and visitors to our country that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated," said Pawlak.
One week ago a jury at a London court convicted two men, John Kafunda and Reece Donovan, both 22, of stealing from Asyraf's rucksack. They will be sentenced on Tuesday.
The slightly-built Asyraf had been in Britain for just a month studying accountancy when he was attacked. He was cycling to comfort a female friend frightened by the riots when he found himself among a group of youths and men.
Isagba assaulted Asyraf and cycled off, leaving the Malaysian bleeding on the pavement -- he had to have metal plates fitted in his jaw, which was broken in two places.
A portable Sony PlayStation and 10 games were taken from his bag with a total value of £500 ($800, 600 euros).
Detective Sergeant Brett Hagen of Scotland Yard police headquarters thanked Asyraf for his "bravery" following the attack.
"The substantial sentence handed to Beau Isagba today reflects the truly despicable and cowardly nature of this attack," he said.
