Called him a "Jewish terrorist" and stabbed a caretaker in London: 51-year-old man convicted of a hate crime
In late July last year, a 51-year-old resident, while intoxicated, approached a Jewish caretaker following a dispute with another tenant and called him a "Jewish terrorist." Before fleeing, he continued to abuse the caretaker, later returning to stab him in the back. "There is no place for such violence in our communities," the prosecutor stated.
The sentence for a resident of a rental apartment building in London who stabbed a Jewish caretaker was increased after the British Crown Prosecution Service insisted that the act constituted a hate crime.
The incident occurred on July 31, 2025, in a London suburb, but is being reported now following the sentencing. According to the indictment, 51-year-old Alfonso Panya was confronted by the caretaker after another tenant claimed he had stolen food from their shared kitchen. The caretaker provided security footage showing Panya taking the food. In response, Panya, who was heavily intoxicated, threatened the caretaker, questioned his background, and accused him of being a "Jewish terrorist" before fleeing the scene while shouting further insults. He later returned and stabbed the caretaker in the back, between his shoulders.
Following his arrest, Panya also threatened police officers and attempted to bite one of them.
At trial, Panya admitted to the assault, possession of the knife, and injuring the victim, but denied any intent, with his defense attorney claiming he was suffering from a psychiatric episode at the time. The Crown Prosecution Service rejected this partial admission and pursued the case to prove intent. After hearing all evidence, including psychiatric reports, the jury agreed with the prosecution and convicted Panya of wounding with intent.
Yesterday, at Croydon Crown Court, Panya was sentenced to a total of 6 years and 6 months in prison.
Subi-Marja Matilla, a senior prosecutor in South London for the Crown Prosecution Service, stated:
"Alfonso Panya launched a violent and frightening attack, after immediately beforehand demonstrating antisemitic hatred towards the victim. Such intentional violence is disgusting and has no place in our communities, and fortunately, the victim was not more seriously injured. Following a request from the prosecutors, the court recognized that hostility towards the victim's religion is an aggravating circumstance, and this was reflected in the severe sentence given today. I hope that the increase in the sentence will send a clear message that such hatred will not be accepted, and that those who commit hate-motivated attacks will be held accountable. The Crown Prosecution Service will continue to work alongside the police to ensure that this is the case."
