Specialist CICA Lawyers Instructed To Help Pair Access Specialist Support

Two men seriously injured when an attacker went on a sword rampage have described “the most terrifying experience” of their lives.

Donato Iwule was the first person to be injured during the 20-minute ordeal in Hainault, East London.  He was on his way to work when he was hit by a van being driven by the attacker, Marcus Arduini Monzo, before being slashed in the neck with a Samurai sword. 

After fatally injuring 14-year-old schoolboy Daniel Anjorin and wounding police who tried to restrain him, Monzo broke into the home of Henry De Los Polania whilst he and his family were sleeping. After awaking to the attacker entering their bedroom, Henry received serious slash wounds to his right arm and the blade pierced his hand whilst defending his partner and then four-year-old daughter. 

Donato, now 34, was rushed to hospital where he underwent life-saving surgery.  Henry, an IT consultant now aged 36, has undergone multiple operations and will require future surgeries to help regain function in his hand.

Pair instruct expert lawyers at Irwin Mitchell

Following the attack, on 30 April last year, Donato and Henry instructed expert lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to bring a claim for damages from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). The government-run scheme is designed to compensate victims of violent crime.

The pair have now spoken out on their ordeal after 37-year-old Monzo was jailed for life with a minimum of 40 years.

Lauren Haas is the specialist lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Donato and Henry.

Expert Opinion

“What started off as a normal day for Donato and Henry turned into a nightmare. The trauma they went through continues to impact them more than a year on.

“That a young boy also went on to lose his life in the attack is truly horrific.

“While we can’t change what happened, we’re determined to ensure that Donato and Henry are provided with the support they need to help them come to terms with their injuries.

“Through our work, we know that those affected by similar crimes are not always aware of their right to bring a criminal injuries compensation claim, so we feel privileged to be able to help Donato and Henry.” Lauren Haas

Serious injury: Donato and Henry's stories

A total of five people were injured during the attack, including two police officers.

Donato was a security guard at the time of the attack and was unable to work for two months after the attack. He still suffers from the mental and physical effects of the ordeal.

Donato reveals he's 'lucky to be alive'

Donato said: “After I was hit by the van, my first instinct was to ask if the driver was okay, but he lunged at me and said he was going to kill me. 

“I really struggled to comprehend what was going on. However, at that moment I knew I had to get away from him but he caught up with me. It was terrifying.

“I knew the injury in my neck was bad and I tried my best to stem the bleeding. I was told at the hospital that I was very lucky to be alive, and I still can’t believe what happened.

“To hear that others were injured and Daniel sadly died was devastating. I remain traumatised and am unable to even go out or be left alone by myself.  At least now I can feel some relief that that vile man is behind bars.”

Henry 'grateful' for the support he's had

Henry has still not been able to return to work as an IT consultant and is undergoing counselling.

Henry added: “You can ever be prepared for someone walking into your house and attacking your family; it was the most harrowing experience of our lives.

“There was no reasoning behind why he picked our house. As far as I know the attack was random.  Knowing that my partner and daughter were in danger made me jump into defence mode. All I cared about was keeping them safe.

“More than 14 months on, my hand is still in a mess and, despite all the work I’ve already had done on it, I’ll need more.  It’s really left me restricted in what I can do now.  I still haven’t been able to go to work and am still in some pain, with some of my fingers and my hand not functioning correctly as it was pierced by the blade tip.

“So many families were impacted by what Monzo did, but I’m grateful for all the support I’ve had.  Knowing that I don’t have to suffer in silence, physically and mentally, is a huge weight off me.”

Former delivery driver Monzo was found guilty of murder, three charges of attempted murder, wounding with intent, aggravated burglary and possession of a bladed article.

Support available

Sarah Brumpton, who heads a specialist Irwin Mitchell national team based in Leeds dealing with specialist complex criminal injuries claims, commented: “My team deal with all types of criminal injuries compensation claims, including one punch attacks, historic or recent abuse and shaken baby cases, as well as victims of shootings or stabbings.

“We are used to complex cases and can offer a free initial review of the circumstances of the crime and the injuries, to assess whether there is a viable claim. I would encourage any victim of a reported crime of violence with serious injuries to contact us and seek advice on whether we can assist.

“We find a lot of crime victims are not even aware of their right to seek compensation and there is only a two-year time limit on bringing claims, although in exceptional circumstances my team and I have been successful in applying significantly later than that and in situations where no report to the police was made such as in child abuse cases.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people affected by serious injuries at our dedicated section on the website. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0808 271 1448.