Riots: two guilty of student attack

Reece Donovan, left, and John Kafunda, both 22, were convicted of pretending to be Good Samaritans to steal from an injured student
12 April 2012

Two men have been convicted of pretending to be Good Samaritans to steal from an injured Malaysian student during the London riots.

Mobile phone footage of Ashraf Rossli being attacked during last August's rioting caused widespread outrage.

A jury at Wood Green Crown Court convicted John Kafunda 22, of robbery and violent disorder. Kafunda, of Eastwood Road in Ilford, was captured on camera putting his arm round Mr Rossli and pretending to protect him.

Reece Donovan, 22, of Cross Road, Romford, was caught on camera rifling through the accountancy student's bag while the victim's back was to him, and convicted of theft, violent disorder and later burgling a Tesco store.

The jury of five women and seven men unanimously convicted Donovan of robbery. The pair shook their heads as the jury foreman returned the verdicts.

The judge thanked the jurors and adjourned sentencing to March 13.

Chief Superintendent Gary Buttercase, temporary borough commander at Barking and Dagenham, said: "I would like to commend Barking and Dagenham robbery squad for their tenacity, professionalism and detective ability in securing a conviction in this and the previous case of Beau Isagba.

"I have met Mr Rossli and he is a man of humility and dignity and a tremendous credit to his country, and I am particularly pleased that we have managed to get justice for the appalling attack he suffered and the subsequent theft that has attracted derision from across the world.

"I would also like to thank the many witnesses in this case who have shown fantastic public spirit in coming forward and assisting my officers.

"I wish Mr Rossli an enjoyable stay in London for the rest of his studies and thank him for his co-operation in this matter."

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