Horseshoe Railway Station Murderer Caged

Virgo Kirkpatrick

A horseshoe-wielding train thug, who struck another passenger following a loud music carriage row, is starting a life sentence after being convicted of murder.

Virgo Kirkpatrick, 42, inflicted the fatal blow when the argument with 24 year-old Thomas Parker continued on the platform of Reading Railway Station.

The victim had been returning home with his brother Craig, 27, from an Arsenal match in London at around 11.00pm on Saturday, July 30, last year.

They complained about the loud music coming from father-of-four Kirkpatrick's group and a pair of off-duty police officer's intervened.

However, at the station Kirkpatrick, of Whitby Road, Slough followed golf course greenkeeper Parker and struck him over the back of the head with the heavy horseshoe he was carrying in his rucksack.

A Reading Crown Court jury found him guilty of murder and he will have to serve a minimum of twenty-one years and 123 days of a life sentence.

The victim's family said afterwards: “Whilst we are happy with the verdict as the best possible outcome in this situation, for us this is not a celebration, as the loss we have endured is far greater than any prison sentence.

“Tom had his whole life ahead of him, and he brought so much joy to his family and friends. 

“He had never, and would never hurt a soul, so it is heartbreaking that he was taken from us in such an evil and senseless attack that could have been avoided.

“The past eight months have been hell for us as a family, not made easier by the gruelling two weeks of court, where Tom’s name and character were attacked, untrue and unfair to a person who is no longer here to defend himself.

Thomas Parker

“It is this reason, and the lack of emotion or remorse shown in Mr Virgo’s apology, said in a desperate attempt to save himself, that we do not, and will never forgive him.”

They added: “Furthermore, we as a family would like to thank all the emergency services involved that night of the 30th July including the British Transport Police for their on-going support.”

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Langley, the Senior Investigating Officer for BTP, said: “Whilst no prison sentence can bring Tom back for his family and loved ones, we’re pleased with the sentence handed down by the court.

“Virgo is a dangerous individual who needlessly and senselessly took the life of another man just because of a petty argument about some loud music. 

“It is only right that he now faces more than two decades behind bars.

“My thanks go to the investigative team in this case, who worked tirelessly to get justice for Tom, and to the family – who have held themselves at court during the trial with absolute dignity.

“I can only hope that today’s sentence gives them some closure and peace that justice has been done.”