Post office robbery victim "better off dead" (From This Is Local London)

Post office robbery victim "better off dead"

2:30pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in London News By Emma Phippen

More than 18 months on, the elderly victim of a violent post office robbery is still suffering crippling physical and mental injuries.

Abdul Ebrahim, now 76, was attacked and robbed in his post office in East Barnet Road on July 7, 2010.

The robbers beat him up and stole £12,000 worth of cash and goods, but only two were caught, each jailed for six years.

Mr Ebrahim, who was 74 at the time of the attack, was in intensive care for four days, and is still unable to return to work as a result of his injuries.

He will have kidney problems and a damaged arm for the rest of his life.

Mr Ebrahim said: “The people who did this damaged my whole body and they damaged my whole family.”

However, the physical scars suffered by the diabetic victim, who also has heart problems, are only part of the story.

Since the attack the postmaster has suffered post-traumatic stress disorder which causes anxiety and depression.

He is afraid to leave his home, does not go out alone, no longer socialises in the way he used to and considers himself to be in hiding.

Mr Ebrahim, who was born in Tanzania and moved to the UK in 1972, said: “I am too frightened to be in my home alone, I don’t want anyone to know where I am.”

The elderly postmaster also experiences tremors, flash-backs and insomnia as a result of the attack.

He said: “My body is still aching, it will hurt for the rest of my life. I would be better off dead.”

The attack has also had a huge impact on his family.

Mr Ebrahim says his wife worries about him and that his daughters, both doctors, have to help care for him.

He added: “My children look after me but I don’t want to have to ask them for help. What have I done to deserve this?

“All I wanted to do was to serve people in the community and to look after my customers.”

Despite his injuries, Mr Ebrahim has not received any compensation and, as he cannot work, is suffering financial difficulties.

Mr Ebrahim said: “My whole family is affected by the lack of money. There are so many worries now."

He was advised by the police he would be entitled to compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority but, despite months of requests, he has received nothing.

Mr Ebrahim said: “I have contributed so much money in tax, why is the Government not helping me?

“I served this nation for 25 years and now I need help.

“The people who have ruined my life should be treated as they treated me.

“I am the one being punished, not them.”