Dad killed with one punch outside Burnt Oak station

Dragos Carabineaunu, 46, was punched in the face by Gabriel Silvera, 20, outside Burnt Oak Underground Station late on October 27 last year. 

The punch caused him to fall backwards and hit his head on the ground, resulting in a brain injury. He died in hospital five days later. 

Silvera, of Uxbridge Road in Pinner, pleaded guilty to his manslaughter. 

Gabriel Silvera punched the 46-year-old in the face within 50 seconds of meeting him (Image: Met Police) At Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday (October 31) prosecutor Louise Oakley said the fatal punch took place approximately 50 seconds after the pair met for the first time. 

Dragos, who had been drinking with friends nearby, and Silvera, who had travelled to the area from Clapton to pick up his bike, bumped into each other outside the station. 

Dragos pulled on Silvera’s arm and asked for a cigarette but showed no hostility or violence, Ms Oakley said. 

After a brief exchange Silvera punched Dragos in the face before walking away. 

Dragos was found unconscious shortly after midnight, by which time others had stolen his belongings. 

Dragos leaves behind a wife and two children. 

His son, Alex, said: “The loss of our father has changed our lives in ways we could never have imagined.” 

Dragos was working in London to send money back to his family in Romania.

His family said they now struggle to afford basic necessities. 

Silvera was arrested on suspicion of murder on November 6. 

When he was shown CCTV footage of the incident he made no comment other than to say “oh f***”. 

Silvera has a history of violence dating back to the age of 14. 

Many of his convictions have been for violence against police officers, Ms Oakley said.

Silvera will be sentenced by Judge Oscar Del Fabbro this afternoon (October 31).