By News Team
⋅ December 11, 2007
Three Asian racists were convicted at the Old Bailey today of shattering a man's skull because he was white.
Sodrul Islam, 23, Delwar Hussain, 21, and Mamoon Hussain, 20, were found guilty of attempted murder for the attack on John Payne, 33. Up to 30 Asians set upon the victim and his friends for drinking in a pub on the Clichy estate in Stepney, which the gang considered to be their turf. They shouted insults including “white honkies” at the five people who dared to walk through.
Mr Payne was then felled with a machete and the gang repeatedly punched and kicked him as he lay helpless on the ground. The gang continued as Mr Payne's sobbing girlfriend tried to shield him. He suffered a severe fracture of his head and bone fragments penetrated his brain. Surgeons at the Royal London Hospital battled to save him. He continues to require constant medication and suffers severe epilepsy, nightmares and flashbacks. The three defendants, from Stepney, will be sentenced in the New Year.
Two others were cleared of affray by the jury after being found not guilty of attempted murder and wounding with intent on the directions of the judge.