A London jury has convicted a man of murder after medical evidence established that his attack left the victim unable to receive potentially life-saving cancer treatment.
Alfie Conway-Ryle was found guilty at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, October 14, over the death of William Ffrench, known to his family as Owen.
According to the Metropolitan Police, Owen suffered a catastrophic brain injury during an assault in Southwark in June 2024 and never regained consciousness.
Doctors diagnosed lung cancer while he remained in hospital. His condition prevented treatment, and he died in March 2025, aged 66.
Detectives worked with clinicians, an oncologist and pathology specialists to establish how the injuries contributed to his death. The resulting evidence supported the murder prosecution, despite the time between the assault and Owen’s death.
The case had initially involved an attempted murder charge, which was later upgraded.
In a statement following the verdict, Owen’s family remembered a caring uncle who helped raise and protect younger relatives. They thanked those involved in the investigation and prosecution while describing the pain of never having the opportunity to say goodbye.
Related reading
- Metropolitan Police: Investigation and Murder Verdict
- Lagos Court Acquits Two Men of Land Theft and Forgery
behind Games Village, Abuja
5A, CGH, Games Village, Abuja