A man is facing life in jail after he murdered a cancer patient by stamping on his head ‘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.
He was left with multiple bleeds, extensive facial fractures, broken ribs and remained in a coma for months – meaning he could not undergo lifesaving cancer treatment.
The 66-year-old died of cancer eight months later, having never woken up after the attack.
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 committing murder but was today convicted.
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?’
Footage shows the ‘beloved uncle’, known locally as Owen, being violently thrown to the ground by Conway-Ryle
The attacker, of Southwark, denied committing murder but was today convicted in a trial
Bodyworn footage shows Conway-Ryle, who was walking a grey Staffordshire Bull Terrier, protesting as he was arrested, telling officers: ‘GBH? Why?’
Following today’s verdict, Mr Ffrench’s family 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.’
After being admitted to hospital for his injuries, medics discovered Mr Ffrench had lung cancer. But, because he was in a coma, they could not treat him.
He died in March 2025 from the cancer, having not woken since Conway-Ryle’s attack.
The perpetrator was heard by a witness vowing to kill Mr Ffrench shortly before the attack.
Despite the victim’s repeated pleas to be left alone, he was thrown to the ground before his head was stamped on at least 15 times.
William Ffrench was found unconscious and was taken to hospital with multiple brain bleeds, extensive facial fractures and broken ribs. He died eight months later – of cancer
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.
Officers later determined 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.
