Attacker of South Croydon man set for early prison release

Salman Kamraman Karim, who was jailed for 11 years for a violent attack on James Hatcher in South Croydon, is scheduled for early release from prison. Mr Hatcher sustained life-threatening injuries after being kicked into the path of an oncoming van on Brighton Road on August 16, 2025. The incident left him with a brain bleed and multiple broken bones.

Mr Karim was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent at Croydon Crown Court on June 4, 2026. He received an 11-year custodial sentence. However, Mr Hatcher recently received notification from the Ministry of Justice that Mr Karim will be eligible for release in February 2031, meaning he will serve less than half of his original sentence.

Unprovoked Attack and Severe Injuries

The attack on Mr Hatcher was described as random and unprovoked. He was walking down Brighton Road when Mr Karim allegedly emerged from a vape shop and kicked him into the road. The impact sent Mr Hatcher in front of a moving van. Paramedics attended the scene, and he was taken to St George’s Hospital in Tooting. His injuries included fractures to his legs, ribs, jaw, and pelvis, alongside a significant brain bleed. Mr Hatcher, a tower crane operator, was placed in an induced coma for six days and underwent several operations.

He spent six weeks in hospital and has since been undergoing physiotherapy to regain mobility. Mr Hatcher stated that he still struggles with his movement and has been unable to return to work since the incident. He reported that he had to relearn how to walk following the attack.

Ministry of Justice Explains Early Release

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson explained that offenders convicted of serious violent or sexual offences can be eligible for release at the halfway point of their sentence under the Progression Model. The department also cited the need to manage prison capacity. The spokesperson stated that the government is taking steps to address prison overcrowding, which they inherited, by building new prison places and implementing stricter controls on offenders.

Mr Hatcher expressed his distress and fear upon learning of the early release. He told the Wandsworth Guardian, "I was gutted when I saw the email. How can this be happening? It says he will be monitored and tagged, but that won't do anything. It was an unprovoked attack on me. If he did that to me, what is he going to do when he comes out?" He voiced concerns about his personal safety, fearing that Mr Karim might seek retribution.