A London Underground thug, who killed another passenger for brushing against him on the escalator, has been jailed.
Samuel Winter (L) was killed by Rakeem Miles (R)
Rakeem Miles, 24, of East Street, Walworth pursued physiotherapist Samuel Winter, 28, and felled him with a fatal punch.
At Inner London Crown Court he received eight years, with an extended licence period of thirteen years.
He will be eligible for parole in just under five-and-a-half years.
British Transport Police (BTP) have not said one way or another if the killing was racially-motivated.
Miles was convicted of manslaughter following the attack at 9.30pm on Thursday, August 22, last year at Southwark Underground Station.
Charity volunteer Mr Winter had arrived at the station on an Eastbound Jubilee Line train, Miles was also travelling on.
There was no interaction between the pair until Mr Winter brushed against the defendant as he walked up the escalator.
Miles reached out towards Mr Winter, who continued towards the exit.
As Mr Winter walked through the ticket barrier Miles followed him.
He reached out, grabbing the innocent victim from behind, ripping Mr Winter's top in two as he pulled him to face him.
Miles punched Mr Winter once in the head, leaving him collapsed on the stairs.
Paramedics attended and Samuel received CPR before he was taken to hospital with a critical brain injury.
Meanwhile, BTP had been made aware and an investigation was launched.
Following overnight enquiries, it was discovered Miles had used the same card to top up his Oyster card in a shop near the station the day before.
Officers investigating attended the shop on the morning of August 23 when a member of staff informed them Miles had just left the shop.
He was found outside and arrested on suspicion of Grievous Bodily Harm.
Sadly, on the evening of Saturday August 24, Mr Winter died at hospital with his family by his side.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell said: “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.”
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