Charity worker 'beaten and left for dead on commuter train after politely asking thug to move his feet' - News - Evening Standard
       

Charity worker 'beaten and left for dead on commuter train after politely asking thug to move his feet'

A grandfather was beaten and left on a life support machine after he politely asked a passenger to move his feet on a crowded commuter train, a court heard.

Ebanezer Adesina exploded with rage when Roger Hare, 62, said "excuse me" as he tried to make his way off the carriage, jurors were told.

The 20-year-old hammered down blows of "pinpoint" precision on the charity worker, punching him so viciously he flew through the door of the train, Southwark Crown Court heard.

Oliver Glasgow, prosecuting, said Mr Hare was knocked unconscious and suffered a fractured skull.

Adesina then stepped over Mr Hare's prone body and walked calmly along the platform at West Dulwich Station in southeast London.

As horrified commuters yelled at him to stop, Adesina allegedly replied sarcastically "What, is the guy dead or something?"

Mr Glasgow told jurors when a woman asked "Why are you going?", the defendant answered "What's the point, he's dead already."

Mr Hare had been enjoying drinks with a friend in Holborn on February 20 as they discussed plans for forthcoming charity events.

He later got on the crowded train at London's Victoria Station at about 7pm. Adesina joined the train at Brixton and sat near Mr Hare, with his legs blocking the exit.

Mr Glasgow added: "The Crown's case is that he attacked Roger Hare for no reason whatsoever, or at least none which warranted such violence."

Mr Hare's injuries were so serious he was on a life support machine for a week, the court heard.

Adesina, of Dagenham, denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

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