Man found guilty of murder after attack prevented cancer treatment

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 19:08 · Archive

A man has been convicted of murder after attacking another man so severely he could not undergo life-saving cancer treatment.

Alfie Conway-Ryle was convicted of murder on Wednesday at Croydon Crown Court following the attack on William Ffrench, known as Owen, at Southwark Park on 27 June 2024. CCTV footage showed Conway-Ryle deliberately tripping Ffrench and repeatedly stamping on his head near Surrey Canal, with more than 15 stamps inflicted over 40 seconds.

Ffrench, aged 66, sustained catastrophic brain injuries, extensive facial fractures and broken ribs, and never regained consciousness. Months later in hospital, he was diagnosed with lung cancer, but medical professionals concluded he was too unwell to undergo treatment as a result of his injuries. He died in March 2025.

Conway-Ryle was initially charged with attempted murder in June 2024 and pleaded not guilty, but the charge was upgraded to murder in February 2025. The murder investigation involved Ffrench's treating clinician, an expert oncologist, a neuropathologist and a forensic pathologist to establish that the assault had denied him the opportunity to receive cancer treatment and had materially contributed to his death. Conway-Ryle had also admitted to assaulting an emergency worker after biting an officer during his arrest. Ffrench's family said in a statement that 'justice has finally been served'.

How it is being reported

• Attacker faces life in jail for murder after wounding victim so badly by repeatedly stamping on his head that he was then unable to receive life-saving cancer treatmentWilliam Ffrench, 66, suffered catastrophic brain injuries when he was attacked by 26-year-old Alfie Conway-Ryle at Southwark Park in June 2024.Daily Mail · 14 Oct, 18:48
• Man guilty of murder after attack left victim unable to undergo life-saving cancer treatmentWilliam Ffrench, known as Owen, sustained a catastrophic brain injury and never regained consciousness following the June 2024 assaultThe Independent · 14 Oct, 15:17

In this story: William Ffrench · Alfie Conway-Ryle · Southwark Park · Croydon Crown Court

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