A horrific incident took place outside Harold Wood station in east London early on February 27 last year, where a 23-year-old man, Sekai Miles, carried out a brutal and random attack on 87-year-old pensioner Bernard Fowler. Miles subjected Fowler to a vicious assault where he gouged out one of Fowler’s eyes, hit him over the head 19 times with his own walking stick, and stomped on his head eight times. The attack, described as truly shocking and appalling, ended in tragedy as Fowler lost his life. This heinous crime has left the community in shock, with many struggling to comprehend the senseless violence inflicted on an innocent man.
CCTV footage captured the moment when Fowler, a retired mechanic known for his kindness and caring nature, was approached by Miles outside the station. The attack was relentless, with Miles showing no mercy as he carried out the brutal assault on the elderly victim. The court heard how Miles, after the attack, walked away but then returned to stand over Fowler in a triumphant stance, showcasing a lack of remorse for his actions. Upon the arrival of the police, Miles attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended after a struggle, carrying the bloody stick and his trainers.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Miles had a history of mental health issues, including paranoid schizophrenia, and had previously used synthetic cannabis. Despite his troubled background, Miles denied murder but pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Fowler by diminished responsibility and assaulting a police officer. His defence highlighted his turbulent upbringing, mental health struggles, and his delusional beliefs about religion, painting a picture of a troubled individual in desperate need of intervention and treatment.
Fowler’s family shared heartfelt victim impact statements, portraying Fowler as a loving and supportive father and grandfather who had a profound impact on their lives. His son, Darrin Fowler, expressed his deep sense of loss and disbelief at the brutal way his father was taken from him. The courtroom heard how Miles, in a rare show of remorse, expressed profound sorrow for his actions and acknowledged the irreversible harm he caused to Fowler and his family. However, this apology offered little solace to those grieving the loss of a cherished family member.
In a poignant turn of events, Miles was sentenced to a hospital order with restrictions, emphasising the need for ongoing treatment at a secure psychiatric facility. The judge recognised the gravity of Miles’ actions and the necessity for him to receive appropriate care before any consideration of release back into society. This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of untreated mental illness and the importance of early intervention and support for those in need.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, the focus remains on seeking justice for Bernard Fowler and ensuring that such a horrific incident is never repeated. The harrowing details of this case serve as a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of society’s most at-risk individuals and the imperative of providing adequate support and care for those struggling with mental health challenges. Our thoughts are with the Fowler family as they navigate through this difficult time and seek closure and healing in the wake of this senseless act of violence.