A man who left a 96-year-old war veteran blind in one eye after attacking him on a packed tram has been given a three-year supervision order.
Stephen Gordon, 44, launched his unprovoked attack on Shah Chaudhry in Croydon, south London, in December.
Gordon, from Croydon, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm after the attack was caught on CCTV, Croydon Crown Court heard.
The British Transport Police said they were "disappointed" with the sentence.
Walking sticks
"The blow to the victim's head caused serious injury, which has resulted in the victim losing sight in one eye," said Det Sgt Darren Stenning.
"And unfortunately since this assault, the victim's health has deteriorated and he now resides in a care home."
The attack took place on a tram travelling between Sandilands and East Croydon on December 14 last year.
Gordon had tried to push past the victim, who was standing in the aisle leaning on his walking sticks.
As he squeezed under the pensioner's arms his hat was knocked off and he swore at the man and punched him in the face.
Police said two school children who were on the tram chased Gordon. They later gave evidence against him.
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