Three men have been charged over a violent assault on two elderly Sikh taxi drivers outside Wolverhampton railway station, an incident that sent shockwaves through the Sikh community and reignited fears over racially motivated attacks.
The attack, which took place in broad daylight, was captured on video and widely shared online. The footage showed two Sikh men, one in his 60s and the other in his 70s, being assaulted near the station, prompting immediate arrests by British Transport Police.
On Thursday, police confirmed that three suspects have now been formally charged and released on bail pending court proceedings.
Zackery Hall, 20, of Dudley, has been charged with grievous bodily harm (GBH), a racially aggravated public order offence, and three further public order offences.
Nathan Edwards, 25, of Darlaston, faces charges of GBH, actual bodily harm (ABH), two public order offences, criminal damage and resisting arrest.
Leon Willetts, 18, of Rowley Regis, has been charged with GBH and resisting arrest.
All three are due to appear at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 5 March.
The assault occurred at around 1.45pm on Friday 15 August 2025 outside Wolverhampton railway station. Officers were called to the scene, where the three men were arrested and taken into custody before being released on police bail while enquiries continued.
Both victims were taken to hospital for treatment and later discharged. Their families have now been formally informed of the charges.
BTP Superintendent Sue Peters said the case had caused deep distress far beyond the immediate victims.
“We understand the concern this incident has caused to the victims and their families, as well as the local Sikh community and wider public,” she said.
“A thorough investigation has taken place, and three men have now been charged in connection.
“It is vital the judicial process is allowed to continue without interference, and that nothing is said or published which could prejudice ongoing court proceedings. We remain in close contact with the victims and continue to engage with the Sikh community and partner agencies.”
However, the length of time taken to bring charges has drawn criticism from Sikh leaders.
Dabinderjit Singh OBE, Lead Executive at the Sikh Federation (UK), said relief at the charges was tempered by frustration.
“We are pleased the three men have been charged and would like to thank British Transport Police for their investigation and local MPs for keeping up pressure,” he said.
“Given the men were arrested on the spot for this horrific attack, there was video evidence that went viral and the assault was witnessed, there was huge frustration that it has taken more than five months for the Crown Prosecution Service to be satisfied before laying charges.
“There was a clear racist element to the attack on the two elderly Sikh men, and we note that one of the three has been charged with a racially aggravated public order offence.”
For many in the community, the case has become a symbol of both vulnerability and resilience – and a test of whether justice will now be delivered in full view of the court.
