A man convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend’s new partner on a bus in Oxford Circus has had his prison sentence reduced after appeal judges deemed it “manifestly excessive”.
The Crime
Oscar Castano-Colque, 22, previously of Woodfarrs, East Dulwich, was originally sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years and six months after pleading guilty to the murder of Rafioullah Malik. However, in February 2025, the Court of Appeal reduced his minimum sentence by one and a half years, bringing it down to 24 years.
The fatal incident took place on February 28, 2023, when Castano-Colque, consumed by jealousy, attacked Rafioullah Malik on a Route 94 bus along Oxford Street.
Events Leading Up to the Attack
In the days preceding the attack, Castano-Colque bombarded his ex-girlfriend with messages, declaring his love and insisting their relationship was not over. Tensions escalated when his ex-girlfriend sent him photos of herself at a restaurant with Rafioullah on the evening of February 28.
When the couple later boarded the 94 bus, Castano-Colque chased after it and managed to board. He then approached Rafioullah and repeatedly stabbed him in the head.
Rafioullah was rushed to the hospital, but despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries almost a month later on March 23, 2023.
Court Proceedings
During his trial at Croydon Crown Court last year, Castano-Colque admitted to murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment. The judge initially set a minimum term of 25 years and six months before parole consideration.
However, in February 2025, Castano-Colque’s legal team argued at the Court of Appeal that the sentence was excessively harsh given the circumstances. The appeal judges agreed, reducing his minimum term to 24 years.
Public Reaction
The decision to reduce the sentence has sparked controversy, with many questioning why such a brutal crime warranted a lighter punishment. One social media user wrote:
“A man loses his life, and the killer gets his sentence cut. How is that justice?”
Another commented:
“What message does this send to victims’ families? This decision is disgraceful.”
Legal Justification
The appeal judges stated that while the crime was heinous, the original sentence was deemed “manifestly excessive”. Legal experts pointed out that the reduced term still reflects the severity of the crime while balancing factors such as Castano-Colque’s early guilty plea and the absence of prior convictions.
Family’s Response
Rafioullah’s family has expressed their devastation at the reduction of the sentence, with a relative stating:
“Nothing can bring him back, but reducing the killer’s time in prison feels like another blow. We’re heartbroken.”
A Tragic Loss
Friends of Rafioullah remember him as a kind and gentle person, deeply loved by his community. A vigil held last year near Oxford Circus saw dozens gather to honor his memory, lighting candles and leaving messages of condolence.
Safety Concerns
The incident has also raised concerns about public safety on London buses, with some calling for increased security measures. A spokesperson for Transport for London (TfL) said:
“This tragic event underscores the importance of ensuring passenger safety. We continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police to enhance security on public transport.”
Next Steps
While Castano-Colque’s sentence has been reduced, he will still spend a minimum of 24 years in prison before being considered for parole. The Metropolitan Police have reiterated their commitment to protecting the public and supporting the victim’s family through this difficult time.
The tragic murder of Rafioullah Malik serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violent jealousy and highlights the ongoing need for support systems for those affected by domestic violence and relationship breakdowns.
