Man guilty of murder after attack left victim unable to undergo life-saving cancer treatment

A man has been found guilty of murder after a brutal attack left his victim in a coma and unable to undergo life-saving cancer treatment.

Alfie Conway-Ryle violently assaulted William Ffrench, known as Owen, in Southwark Park in June 2024. He sustained a catastrophic brain injury and never regained consciousness.

He was diagnosed with lung cancer months later, but medical professionals concluded he was too unwell to undergo treatment, and he died in March 2025.

Detectives launched a murder investigation to prove that the assault had denied him the opportunity to receive cancer treatment and had materially contributed to his death.

On Wednesday, Conway-Ryle was found guilty of Owen's murder at Croydon Crown Court.

In a statement, Owen’s family said: “Justice has finally been served.”

“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. When the family lost his brother in 2001, our uncle stepped up without hesitation to be a father to the siblings and a grandfather to the nieces and nephew, ensuring everyone felt protected, cherished, and never alone.
“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.”


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