Two guilty of YouTube riots robbery

Two men were today convicted of pretending to be Good Samaritans to steal from an injured Malaysian student during the London riots.

Mobile phone footage of Ashraf Rossli being attacked during last August’s rioting caused widespread outrage.

Today a jury at Wood Green Crown Court convicted John Kafunda 22, of robbery and violent disorder.

Kafunda, of Eastwood Road in Ilford, was captured on camera putting his arm round Mr Rossli and pretending to protect him.

Reece Donovan, 22, of Cross Road, Romford, was caught on camera rifling through the accountancy student’s bag while the victim’s back was to him, and convicted of theft, violent disorder and later burgling a Tesco store.

Mr Rossli, 21, had been in Britain for just a month when he was attacked.

He was cycling to keep a frightened female friend company on August 8 and had to find his way through a crowd of thugs as he cycled on a flyover in Barking.

He was attacked by Beau Isagba, 17, of Ilford, who thumped him in the face, smashing his jaw and cycling off on his bike.

Mr Rossli was left bleeding on the pavement and now has metal plates in his jaw.

Isagba is due to be sentenced on March 9 – the day after his 18th birthday.

Footage of Kafunda and Donovan preying on Mr Rossli, who is 5ft 4in and of slim build, was posted on YouTube and received widespread publicity.

In a police statement, the victim said a portable Sony PlayStation and 10 games were taken, worth £500 (€600).

He said in his statement: “I was sat on the pavement with blood pouring from my mouth.

“I remember being approached by a male who asked if I was OK.

“I remember being pulled to my feet, then I felt someone again tugging at my rucksack.

“I was not in a position to defend myself and was still suffering from the effects of being hit.

“I knew they were stealing from me but I could do nothing.

“Once they had taken what they wanted, they left.”

Detective Sergeant John Healy, of the Metropolitan Police, said: ``At the time of this incident, Mr Rossli was suffering the effects of a broken jaw and he was unable to defend himself.

“Kafunda and Donovan took advantage of him, posing as Good Samaritans to steal his property.

“Both defendants denied the offences throughout, forcing witnesses to give evidence anonymously and forcing a week’s trial at Crown Court.

“Today really brings closure for the victim regarding the entire incident.”