A man who brutally attacked and killed a “gentle and kind” commuter with a single punch on the London Underground has been sentenced to prison.
Rakeem Miles, 23, cowardly assaulted Samuel Winter, 28, simply because he accidentally bumped into him on an escalator at Southwark station on 22 August last year. He seized the victim from behind before landing a forceful punch and then absconding from the scene.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, the AI engineer tragically passed away in hospital two days later due to a severe brain injury. Miles, from East Street, Southwark, displayed “no remorse” when he appeared at Inner London Crown Court.
He was found guilty of manslaughter, a charge he denied, and Judge Benedict Kelleher handed down an eight-year prison sentence. Additionally, Miles will be subject to an extended licence period of five years.
However, the murderer will be eligible for parole in less than five and a half years. Samuel’s family delivered a heartfelt tribute just days after his untimely death, reports the Mirror.
It reads: “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.”
The family stated: “Our family will never be the same and we’ll always miss him, but we take great comfort knowing he’s now at home with his beloved Jesus and Father in heaven. We look forward to seeing him there. We ask that the press respects our request for privacy as we grieve as a family.”
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell, Senior Investigating Officer, 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.”
He continued: “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.”