Man convicted of repeatedly punching pregnant Jewish woman is sectioned

A man convicted of repeatedly punching a pregnant Jewish woman has been sectioned.

Keith Gowers, 59, appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Friday where he admitted one count of assault by beating.

On 18th March, Mr Gowers followed Beilla Reis down Manor Road in Stamford Hill at approximately 18:30 before placing a black pillowcase over her head and punching her several times in the face and torso. Ms Reis, 20, was 27 weeks pregnant at the time. She had her glasses broken and suffered a cut lip and thumb. Mr Gowers then fled the scene, leaving behind the pillowcase, while Ms Reis was taken to hospital.

The attack was initially reported by Stamford Hill Shomrim, the Jewish volunteer neighbourhood watch patrol, and Mr Gowers was arrested on 22nd March.

District Crown Prosecutor Varinder Hayre, from the north London Crown Prosecution Service, said: “This was an unprovoked and shocking attack on a woman who was six months pregnant at the time. It is fortunate that her unborn child suffered no serious harm. The victim had never encountered Keith Gowers before and was left incredibly shaken.

“The prosecution case included CCTV footage of the disturbing attack on the lone victim which clearly identified Gowers as the attacker. He also admitted to being the person caught on camera. The CPS takes crimes against women extremely seriously and we will always work with the police and community to find and prosecute offenders.”

Speaking outside the court, Mr Gowers’ solicitor Jose Grayson said: “Although people at the time thought it was an antisemitic attack, it has been accepted by the Crown it was not racially motivated.”

Deputy Judge Richard Hawgood said: “It is obviously a very deeply unpleasant and serious matter. It is about as serious as a common assault allegation can be. All options will be considered by the court, including a custodial sentence.”

Mr Gowers has since been sectioned and released on bail on the condition he does not contact Ms Reis directly or indirectly, or visit Manor Road. He is due to be sentenced at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 1st October.