Vulnerable man beaten up while waiting for bus (From Croydon Guardian)

Purley man beaten up after night out in Croydon

10:00am Wednesday 29th August 2012 in News By Andrew Bloss

A man with learning disabilities has been beaten and robbed while waiting for his bus home.

Darren Couchman, 31, from Purley, was on his way back from a night out when he was attacked at a bus stop across the road from the Black Sheep Bar at around 1am on Friday, August 24.

Mr Couchman, who had been at Yates, was approached by a man who asked him to pass over his watch, which Mr Couchman refused to do.

The 31-year-old said his memory of the incident was hazy but remembers being punched by the stranger.

His wallet, which contained £20, along with his phone and keys were all taken.

He was taken to Croydon University Hospital after he suffered injuries to his lip, forehead, nose and eyes. The gash in his forehead required six stitches and he was kept in overnight.

Mr Couchman said: "It all happened so quickly. I was scared as I didn’t expect it. Somebody rang an ambulance for me and waited with me until they arrived.

"Luckily I am recovering but my eye is still bruised. It has made me think about my safety and I will make sure I get a cab back next time or stick with my friends.

He said: "It surprised me that somebody could do something like this."

His mum, Jackie Couchman, said he could have been targeted due to his vulnerabilty and said she was shocked when she saw the extent of her son’s injuries.

She said: "My husband told me he had not come home so I called the hospital just in case something had happened. He was there and had just had a CT scan which was thankfully clear.

"My husband picked him up from the hospital and when he came home I was shocked to see what had happened. His shirt was covered in blood so we had to bring him a clean shirt when we picked him up.

"Injuries like the ones he has got don’t disappear overnight, it will take a while to heal."

A police spokesman said: "We are investigating a robbery that took place at the bus stop on High Street. No arrests have been made at this stage.

"Anyone who witnessed or has anyone information should contact Croydon Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111."