Attacker guilty of murder after wounding cancer-sufferer

DAILYMAIL.COM • 5h ago

By NOOR QURASHI, NEWS REPORTER 18:48 14 Oct 2026, updated 18:48 14 Oct 2026

A man is facing life in jail for murder after he stamped on the head of a cancer patient ‘at least 15 times’ – wounding him so badly he was unable to get treatment.

William Ffrench, 66, suffered catastrophic brain injuries when he was attacked by 26-year-old Alfie Conway-Ryle at Southwark Park in June 2024.

Footage shows the ‘beloved uncle’, known locally as Owen, being violently thrown to the ground by Conway-Ryle – who then stamps on his head repeatedly.

Conway-Ryle, of Southwark, denied but was today convicted of murder.

He had earlier admitted to assaulting an emergency worker – after he bit an officer during the arrest.

Bodyworn footage shows the killer, who was walking a grey Staffordshire Bull Terrier, protesting as he is arrested, telling officers: ‘GBH? Why?’

Conway-Ryle was charged with murder following Mr Ffrench’s death.

Mr Ffrench’s family today said justice had ‘finally been served’.

A statement added: ‘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.

‘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.

‘You didn’t wake up, the moment you were taken into the hospital, you didn’t wake up.

‘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 was heard by a witness vowing he was going to kill Mr Ffrench shortly before the attack.

Despite the 66-year-old’s repeated pleas to be left alone, he was thrown to the ground before his head was stamped on at least 15 times.

Mr Ffrench was found unconscious and was taken to hospital with multiple brain bleeds, extensive facial fractures and broken ribs.

Conway-Ryle later approached officers with his terrier, claiming there was an injured man in the park – only for witnesses to identify him as the man responsible.

Mr Ffrench was left in a coma which deprived him of life-saving cancer treatment – with investigators later determining the attack was directly linked to his death.

Detective Inspector Richard Mackenzie, who led the police investigation, said: ‘The investigation did not end with Owen’s assault.

‘Following his death, detectives were faced with the complex and unique task of understanding the long-term impact of the injuries inflicted by Conway-Ryle.

‘Working alongside a range of specialist medical experts, we established that those injuries left Owen unable to receive treatment for cancer diagnosed months later, denying him the opportunity of potentially life-saving care.

‘This evidence was instrumental in proving the assault had fatal consequences long after the attack itself.

‘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 today’s outcome holds Conway-Ryle accountable for the devastating consequences of his actions.’

Conway-Ryle was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on December 4.

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