Man Jailed Over Fatal Street Brawl in Eltham
Christopher Hallam, 58, of Sowerby Close, SE9, was convicted of causing the death of Zeki Demir following a Woolwich Crown Court trial. On Monday, 16 May, Hallam was handed a hefty nine-and-a-half-year prison sentence for the violent attack.
Brutal Punches Led to Fatal Head Injury
The court heard how Hallam struck Zeki multiple times outside Passey Place, Eltham, on 20 July 2019. A key witness, identified after a media appeal, saw Hallam punch Zeki three or four times. The blows knocked Zeki to the ground, where he hit his head hard on the pavement.
Zeki was rushed to hospital but suffered severe brain damage. He remained in a critical condition until his death on 26 November 2020.
Claims of Self-Defence Rejected
Hallam was initially arrested for grievous bodily harm but was charged with manslaughter after Zeki died. He denied the charges, claiming he acted in self-defence.
Detective Constable Chris Taylor, Met Specialist Crime Command, said: “I am glad that Christopher Hallam has finally been brought to justice for his violent actions that led to the death of Zeki Demir.
“Zeki, who was a known street drinker, reportedly had a verbal altercation with Hallam before the assault. However, the extreme violence Hallam used was totally unwarranted. The head injuries Hallam inflicted ultimately caused Zeki’s death 16 months later.”
“I hope this conviction brings some comfort and closure to Zeki’s family and friends.”
