Outrage at tram attack sentence

Mr Chaudhry's health has deteriorated

The son of an 96-year-old man who was viciously assaulted on a tram has criticised the attacker's sentence.

Terry Chaudhry's father Shah was left blind in one eye after the unprovoked attack in Croydon, south London, in December.

Stephen Gordon, 44, of Croydon, was convicted of grievous bodily harm and given a three-year supervision order.

"The man should be in prison," said Mr Chaudhry's son. "He should not be walking free with a smile on his face."

Lost confidence

Mr Chaudhry said since the attack, his father's health has deteriorated and he now requires full time treatment after suffering a stroke.

He added: "I'm gutted... My dad was a harmless pensioner who never hurt anyone in his life.

"He was just minding his own business and gets punched in the eye."

Mr Chaudhry said since the attack his father's health has deteriorated and he now requires full time treatment after suffering a stroke.

"He's lost all his confidence," he said. "He used to be active, he used to go out everyday for lunch, shopping. He can't do that now.

"[Gordon] has taken his freedom away, really."

The British Transport Police said they were "disappointed" with the sentence at Croydon Crown Court.

The attack took place on a tram travelling between Sandilands and East Croydon on 14 December 2006.

Gordon punched Mr Chaudhry after trying to squeeze past him on a crowded tram.