A man has been found guilty of murder after a brutal attack left his victim in a coma and unable to undergo life-saving cancer treatment.

William Ffrench, known as Owen, was violently assaulted by Alfie Conway-Ryle in Southwark Park on 27 June 2024.

CCTV footage showed Conway-Ryle deliberately trip Owen and repeatedly stamp on his head during the altercation near Surrey Canal. The court heard that more than 15 stamps were inflicted over 40 seconds.

Owen sustained a catastrophic brain injury, extensive facial fractures and broken ribs and never regained consciousness.

In hospital months later, he was diagnosed with lung cancer, but medical professionals concluded he was too unwell to undergo treatment, and he died in March 2025 at the age of 66.

Soon after, detectives launched a murder investigation to prove that the assault had denied him the opportunity to receive cancer treatment and had materially contributed to his death.

The investigation involved Owen's treating clinician, an expert oncologist, a neuropathologist and a forensic pathologist.

Conway-Ryle was initially charged with attempted murder in June 2024 and pleaded not guilty, but the charge was upgraded to murder in February this year.

On Wednesday, he was found guilty of murder at Croydon Crown Court.

Detective Inspector Richard Mackenzie, who led the investigation, said Owen's family and close friends have “endured an unimaginably long and painful journey since this attack. While no verdict can undo their loss, we hope the outcome holds Conway-Ryle accountable for the devastating consequences of his actions."

In a statement, Owen’s family said: “Justice has finally been served.”

“My uncle was the life and soul of this family, teaching us all how to live life and enjoy every single moment.

“He was somebody's son, somebody's brother, and a truly loving, caring, and selfless man who had endless time for every one of us. When the family lost his brother in 2001, our uncle stepped up without hesitation to be a father to the siblings and a grandfather to the nieces and nephew, ensuring everyone felt protected, cherished, and never alone.


“If we could have just one more moment with him, we would tell him how deeply he is loved and missed. We didn't get a chance to say goodbye.

“Our uncle did not deserve this cruel and senseless violence, and while nothing can ever fill the void left by his loss, his unconditional love will remain the guiding light of our family forever.”


Conway-Ryle will be sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on December 4.