Gang sentenced for attack

11:37am Friday 4th July 2008

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A HAYES man has been sentenced for his part in a violent, drink and drug fuelled attack on a former American marine.

Ahmed Hassan, 19, along with three others assaulted a 52-year-old shortly after a late-night train between Slough and London pulled into Paddington station.

As a result of the attack on the man on January 19 last year, he was left with a broken cheek bone and the partial loss of vision in his left eye.

Hassan was found guilty of violent disorder. He was sentenced yesterday to 18 months in a young offenders institution.

Detective Constable Chris Church, investigating officer from British Transport Police said the man who was visiting the UK on business, was targeted after he intervened on behalf of fellow passengers who were being harassed by the gang.

He said: "After the man stepped in on behalf of two passengers he was turned upon by the gang as the train came near Paddington.

"When the train pulled into the station the group spilled out on to the platform and continued to threaten the victim before cornering him against one of the pillars that run along the station platform."

DC Church added: "A member of rail staff came to the victim's aid and put himself in between the group as they tried to punch the victim.

"One of the group then came away and punched the 52-year-old from the side.

"He was punched extremely hard on the left side of his face, which smashed his cheekbone and caused severe swelling and bruising."

DC Church told how the group let out cheers after attacking the man saying "we got him".

The three other men involved in the attack were Ahmed Awled, 18 of Sheffield who was sentenced to five and a half years in a young offenders institution.

Warsama Abdillahi, 18, of Cippenham, Slough was sentenced to 30 months and Isaak Abdillahi, 19 of Northolt was sentenced to 25 months, both in a in a young offenders institution Passing sentence on the group at Southwark Crown Court yesterday (Thursday,July 3) the judge awarded the victim a £500 reward for courage.