CPS News Brief

Kashif Samuels sentenced for hate crime attack on London bus

Kashif Samuels was sentenced today at Highbury Magistrates’ Court to 16 weeks imprisonment for racially and religiously aggravated intentional harassment, contrary to the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. This relates to an incident on a number 149 bus on 15^th October 2015.

Samuels pleaded guilty at the first hearing on 21^st October. The sentence was uplifted from 12 weeks imprisonment to 16 weeks imprisonment due to the racially and religiously aggravated nature of the offence. The court also increased the sentence to reflect the hostility shown towards the victim’s disability.

Gerallt Evans, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London, said: 

“This case has quite rightly caused shock and outrage among the general public.

“Kashif Samuels used abusive anti-Muslim and racist language against the victim and caused distress and alarm to the other passengers on the bus. Not only did he shout and swear at the victim but also threw the victim’s walking frame from the bus when it came to a halt.

“This appalling outburst was caught on camera by a public-spirited fellow passenger and left Samuels no choice but to plead guilty.

“Hate crime of any kind will not be tolerated in London. Members of the public should be able to travel on the city’s transport network without fear of violence, abuse or harassment and we will continue to work with our police partners to bring those that commit these crimes to justice.”

Two Leicester Royal Infirmary medical staff found guilty of manslaughter following the death of six year old boy

Two members of staff, Doctor Hadiza Bawa-Garba and Staff Nurse Isabel Amaro, from Leicester Royal Infirmary have been found guilty at Nottingham Crown Court of the offence of gross negligence manslaughter.

This conviction follows the tragic death of six year old Jack Adcock, who died at the hospital on 18 February 2011 after being admitted on the recommendation of his doctor that day.  Upon reaching the hospital Jack was very unwell and suffering from sickness, dehydration and rapid breathing and was admitted to the Children’s Assessment Unit.  Whilst on this ward he was under the care of Dr Bawa-Garba and Staff Nurse Amaro.  It is during this time that serious failures occurred resulting in his death.

CPS spokesperson said: “Prior to his illness Jack Adcock was a lively and energetic six year old. However, due to a series of serious failures which occurred whilst he was in the care of these staff members he sadly died.

“Both members of staff failed to recognise the seriousness of Jack’s condition and provide him with the necessary treatment.   As a result of their failures, Jack did not receive the essential medical care he so urgently required, resulting in the worsening of his condition and tragically his death.

“The jury has today concluded that the failings in Jack’s care by Dr Bawa-Garba and Staff Nurse Amaro caused his death and were so serious as to reach the high threshold for gross negligence manslaughter. Our thoughts are with Jack’s family.”

A third member of staff, Sister Theresa Taylor who was also charged in relation to this case was acquitted.