A TUBE passenger who killed a “gentle and kind” commuter with a single punch has been jailed for eight years.
Rakeem Miles, 23, callously attacked Samuel Winter, 28, after he accidentally bumped into him on an escalator at Southwark underground station.
Rakeem Miles, 23, has been jailed for eight years after killing a tube passenger with a single punch[/caption]
Samuel Winter, 28, was rushed to hospital with a critical brain injury, where he died two days later[/caption]
The tragedy, on August 22, was sparked at around 9.30pm when both men were travelling eastbound on the Jubilee line.
In a completely unprovoked assault, Miles followed Samuel through the barriers, grabbed him and ripped his top.
The 23-year-old then knocked the AI engineer to the floor with one punch to the head.
He cowardly ran from the scene, leaving Samuel collapsed on the stairs, before emergency services arrived.
Paramedics performed CPR and rushed the young man to hospital, where he was treated for a critical brain injury.
He died two days later, surrounded by his family.
British Transport Police officers located Miles by tracking his Oyster card and detained him at a shop near the station a day after the attack.
Cops said Miles had given no thought to Samuel after the beating, “continuing on with his evening” as if nothing had happened.
Miles, of East Street, Southwark, showed “no remorse” when he appeared at Inner London Crown Court.
He denied but was convicted of manslaughter and Judge Benedict Kelleher sentenced him to eight years behind bars.
Miles will also be subject to an extended licence period of five years.
But the killer will be eligible for parole in less than five and a half years.
In a heartbreaking tribute, the victim’s family said: “Sam was a very much-loved son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew and friend.
“We are devastated his life here has ended. He was a qualified physiotherapist, AI engineer and a volunteer with several charities.
“His family and friends will remember him as gentle and kind, quick-witted and funny, with deep faith and an unendingly giving spirit.”
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell added: “Though nothing can bring Samuel back, I hope today’s sentencing allows his family some small measure of comfort as they continue to grieve for him.
“Samuel’s family described him as gentle and kind, and he will be sorely missed by all those who love him.
“We reiterate our requests to give the family privacy at such a difficult time.
“It only took one punch from Miles to end Samuel’s life and forever change the lives of those around him.
“He showed no remorse for his action, leaving Samuel at the station and continuing on with his evening.
“The quick-time and thorough investigation by the teams involved meant Miles was identified and apprehended quickly.
“There is zero tolerance for violence on the railway and I’d like to thank my team for their hard work and determination to secure justice for Samuel’s family.”
