‘Lion of London Bridge’ who fought jihadis is denied government payout due to criminal record
THE “Lion of London Bridge” has been denied government compensation for the injuries he suffered fighting terrorists.
Roy Larner was repeatedly stabbed in the neck, arm and chest by the IS jihadis.
The 49-year-old roared “F*** you, I’m Millwall” as he confronted the terrorists and was later diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety.
He still requires physio on damaged tendons in his left arm. But the Millwall fan was gutted to be denied a payout by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, which was set up in 1996 to look after victims of violent crime.
Its letter said: “I am sorry that you were a victim of a terrorist incident and received injuries.
“However I regret to inform I am unable to make an award as the scheme states an award will be withheld for unspent convictions.”
LION’S ‘LEGAL SCRAPES’
Since the June 2017 attack the dad of one has received two suspended sentences: one for racially aggravated common assault, the other for breaching a restraint order granted to his mum Phyllis, 80.
The compo body does not pay out to anyone jailed after making a claim. Larner, of no fixed address and sleeping on a pal’s sofa, has vowed to appeal, citing the fact that he didn’t go to jail.
He said: “The attacks hit me mentally. I blame what happened on that night for the legal scrapes I’ve had since.
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“I just want to re-build my life and had hoped some compensation might get me back on my feet.
“I’m gutted to have been rejected. But despite everything, I’d not hesitate in doing the same thing again.”
Cops accepted his swift and brave actions prevented further injury.
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