Tube Violence: Man Jailed After Unconscious Victim Attacked on Platform

A man who launched a sustained and violent assault at a London Underground station has been sent to prison following a British Transport Police investigation. The attack stemmed from a dispute at a ticket barrier and left the victim with life-threatening injuries.

Rikki Holmes, 33, of Spring Lane, South Norwood, was sentenced to three years and five months in prison at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday 29 January. He had previously been found guilty of grievous bodily harm, two counts of possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a Class B drug, cannabis.

The court was told the incident took place at around 12.50am on 20 August 2023 at London Bridge station. Holmes and a friend had travelled up an escalator before Holmes accelerated and forced his way through a ticket barrier directly behind another man, avoiding payment. A confrontation followed in which words were exchanged.

During the dispute, the victim grabbed Holmes by the collar, causing him to stumble. Holmes responded by punching the man in the face, knocking him backwards where he struck his head on the station floor. As the victim lay motionless, Holmes continued the attack, punching and kicking him in the face before fleeing the scene with his companion.

Station staff raised the alarm and emergency services were called. Paramedics and police attended, and the victim was taken to hospital where doctors identified a bleed on the brain, a fractured jaw, a broken nose, a fractured rib and two collapsed lungs.

British Transport Police detectives began an investigation and issued a media appeal, which resulted in Holmes’ image being widely published. Two members of the public later came forward to identify him. Officers subsequently carried out a warrant at his home, where Holmes was arrested. During a search of the property, police also discovered cannabis, a baton and a pair of nunchucks, leading to further charges.

Holmes’ mobile phone was seized and examined, revealing messages from another individual warning him that his photograph was “everywhere” following the appeal. Despite Holmes refusing to cooperate during police interviews, investigators said the evidence assembled against him was overwhelming.

BTP DC Christopher Pretty, investigating officer in the case, said:

"What started out as a minor dispute over Holmes' pushing behind the victim through the ticket barrier then descended into serious violence that left the victim requiring a lengthy stay in hospital. The psychological impact on him will also remain for a very long time. I'm glad to see that the sentence handed down reflects the gravity of the offence. Holmes continued his attack even when the victim was unconscious on the ground and posed no threat to him at all. Holmes didn't cooperate at all during police interviews, but the weight of the evidence we gathered against him, combined with our witness and mobile phone enquiries, meant that we were able to prove his guilt. It's a great reflection of the investigative team's work, and will hopefully go some small way to helping the victim put this traumatic episode behind him."

British Transport Police said violence on the railway network will not be tolerated and urged anyone who witnesses or experiences an offence to report it by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.

Image: British Transport Police