Tube passenger who killed 'gentle' commuter with single punch learns his fate

A man who attacked and killed a "gentle and kind" commuter on the London Underground with a single punch has been jailed.

Cowardly Rakeem Miles, 23, punched Samuel Winter, 28, just because he accidentally bumped into him while they were on an escalator at Southwark station on August 22 last year. He grabbed the victim from behind before hitting forcefully hitting him once and then fleeing the scene. Emergency services attended to the AI engineer but sadly he died in hospital two days later after suffering a critical brain injury. Miles, of East Street, Southwark, showed "no remorse" when he appeared at Inner London Crown Court.

He was convicted of manslaughter, which he denied, and Judge Benedict Kelleher sentenced him to eight years behind bars. Miles will also be subject to an extended licence period of five years.

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However, killer will be eligible for parole in less than five and a half years. Samuel's family gave an emotional tribute only days after he died. 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.

"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."

While Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell added today: "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."