Man who physically assaulted Jewish woman let off with conditional discharge

A man convicted of physically assaulting a Jewish woman has today been let off with a conditional discharge.

On 18th March, Keith Gowers, 59, of Tottenham, 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.

Mr Gowers appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 10th September 2021 where he admitted one count of assault by beating.

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.”

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 was sentenced today at Thames Magistrates’ Court to two years’ conditional discharge and an indefinite restraining order not to contact the victim by any means and not to go within 200 metres of the victim at any location. He was also ordered to pay a £22 victim surcharge.