Tube passenger who killed ‘gentle’ engineer could serve less than six years

A Tube passenger who killed a commuter with one punch after he brushed past him on an escalator could serve less than six years in jail.

Rakeem Miles, 23, grabbed AI engineer Samuel Winter, 28, from behind and ripped his top at Southwark underground station at 9.30pm last August 22.

Miles then knocked Mr Winter unconscious with a powerful punch to the head before fleeing.

Paramedics attended and performed CPR on Mr Winter at the Tube station. He was rushed to hospital with a critical brain injury and died two days later with his family by his side.

British Transport Police officers traced Miles through the use of his Oyster card and arrested him at a shop near the station the next morning.

Miles, of Southwark, southeast London, denied but was convicted of manslaughter at Inner London Crown Court.

Judge Benedict Kelleher sentenced him to eight years imprisonment with an extended licence period of five years.

But he could serve less than five and a half years before becoming eligible for parole.

Both men had been travelling on the same eastbound Jubilee line but there had been no interaction in the lead up the attack.

Mr Winter got off the train and walked up the escalator, brushing past Miles on his way past. Miles followed him through the barrier yelling abuse.

Miles caught up, grabbing Mr Winter from behind, ripping his top in two as he pulled the shocked commuter to face him.

He then punched Mr Winter once in the head before leaving him collapsed on the stairs.

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.’

In a heart wrenching tribute, Mr Winter’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.’

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