A 23-year-old man, Sekai Miles, has been detained indefinitely after pleading guilty to manslaughter for killing an 87-year-old pensioner, Bernard Fowler, in a brutal attack outside Harold Wood station in East London. The incident occurred in the early hours of February 27, 2024. The court heard that Miles had a history of mental health issues, including paranoid schizophrenia, and was reportedly off his medication at the time of the attack, having claimed to be “saved by God.” He was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order with restrictions and will receive ongoing psychiatric treatment at Broadmoor secure hospital.
The attack was described as particularly horrific. Bernard Fowler, a retired mechanic, had arrived at Harold Wood station at around 3:58 am to collect free newspapers for the community. Miles, who had travelled to the station from Liverpool Street, initially interacted with station staff in a threatening manner, warning them, “Touch me and I will kill you.” After missing a taxi, Miles approached Fowler, and the unprovoked assault began shortly after 4:03 am.
Miles first gouged Fowler’s eyes, causing him to fall to the ground, then continued the attack as Fowler lay helpless. The court was told that Miles struck Fowler’s head with the pensioner’s own walking stick 19 times before stamping on his head eight times. The violence was described as appalling and shocking. Miles walked away briefly but then returned to stand over Fowler in a “triumphant” manner before fleeing the scene, holding the bloody walking stick in one hand and his trainers in the other. He was apprehended by police after a brief chase and a struggle.
During a search of his rucksack, police found religious leaflets, one of which asked, “Are you saved? If you died today: Heaven or Hell?” Prosecutors also noted that a highlighted passage in a Bible about sight being lost and restored was particularly relevant, given that Miles had gouged out Fowler’s eye. While in custody, Miles reportedly threatened to “pluck out” a police officer’s eye. He admitted to assaulting a police officer in addition to the manslaughter charge but denied murder, citing his diminished responsibility due to his mental health.
The court heard that Miles had struggled with mental health issues since childhood, with his first reported symptoms beginning at age 12 when he started hearing voices. He had been treated for schizophrenia and had previously used synthetic cannabis, known as spice, though he had stopped using it and was no longer on medication when the crime occurred. His defense team emphasized that Miles was deeply remorseful for his actions and had been experiencing religious delusions at the time of the attack.
Miles’ mother had expressed concerns about her son’s mental state in the months leading up to the incident, believing he was experiencing religious delusions. Medical professionals had been aware of his mental health struggles but failed to act on the warning signs, which could have prevented the attack. The judge ultimately sentenced Miles to an indefinite hospital order, ensuring he will receive psychiatric care while being kept under supervision due to the extreme nature of the crime.
This tragic incident has raised questions about the treatment and monitoring of individuals with severe mental health issues, especially those who cease treatment or exhibit warning signs of deteriorating mental health. The case highlights the challenges in balancing mental health treatment with public safety.
