Man Nearly Killed in Random Street Attack Learns His Attacker Could Be Released Early

A quiet walk home turned into a life-changing nightmare for a 41-year-old London man after a stranger suddenly kicked him into the path of an oncoming van.

James Hatcher was walking along Brighton Road in South Croydon on August 16, 2025, when Salman Kamraman Karim allegedly came out of a vape shop and attacked him without warning. Hatcher was sent crashing into the road, suffering devastating injuries in the fall.

The injuries were life-threatening. Hatcher suffered a brain bleed, fractures to his legs, ribs, jaw and pelvis, as well as a punctured lung and other internal injuries. He was placed in an induced coma and underwent several operations before waking up six days later. He spent six weeks in the hospital and had to learn how to walk again.

More than a year later, Hatcher is still dealing with the consequences. He remains in physical therapy and says he is unable to return to work.

Karim was convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent at Croydon Crown Court on June 4, 2026, and sentenced to 11 years in prison. He was acquitted of attempted murder.

But the case took another painful turn when Hatcher received a letter from the Ministry of Justice on July 20 informing him that Karim was eligible for early release.

For Hatcher, the news was devastating. While he continues to struggle with the physical effects of the attack, the possibility of his attacker leaving prison earlier than expected has left him questioning whether justice has truly been served.

Despite everything he has endured, Hatcher attended his attacker’s sentencing, arriving on crutches. He said he wanted Karim to see the consequences of what he had done.

Today, Hatcher is focused on his recovery—but the emotional and physical scars from that August afternoon remain a part of his daily life.

Source: The Sun Read the full story on The Sun