Zepheniah Dufeal, aged 18, launched a “brutal” assault on a pensioner he’d never met and left him “fighting for his life”

Edmonton Green Station and (inset) Zepheniah Dufeal

An 18-year-old man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after he “brutally attacked” an 84-year-old man.

Zepheniah Dufeal, of Church Street in Edmonton, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent (GBH).

Last week London Inner Crown Court heard how, at just after 8pm on 16th July last year, the victim had got off the same train as Dufeal at Edmonton Green Station.

Before leaving the station, Dufeal lashed out in an “unprovoked attack” on the pensioner, whom he did not know. He struck the retreating 84-year-old a second time on the head causing him to fall to the floor. Dufeal then stood over him and proceeded to stamp on his head twice, before slapping him in the face and throwing the victim’s baseball cap down.

Dufeal then made his way out of the station, leaving the victim on the floor “fighting for his life”.

Fortunately the victim was found by another passenger who alerted staff and he was taken to hospital. He was treated for a bleed on the brain, a fractured skull, fractured ribs, and a collapsed lung.

Officers viewed the CCTV which captured the entire incident, and Dufeal was recognised by an officer following an ID briefing being shared. Dufeal was arrested the next day at his home address.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell, from British Transport Police, said: “This was an exceptionally violent and unnecessary attack on an elderly man. Dufeal acted in such a horrific manner and with such brutality, it is only luck that the victim was able to survive such a horrifying attack.

“I want to thank the victim and his family for their support throughout this investigation and trial. I hope they feel some sense of comfort and reassurance knowing this individual has been convicted as a result of his cruel and heartless actions.

“Violence of any kind is never tolerated on the rail network and we work hard to ensure offenders like this are brought to justice. If you ever need us please text 61016 to report crime and remember to call 999 in an emergency.”

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