Parents express grief after son’s death as his Southwark Tube station attacker is convicted

A man has been convicted of the manslaughter of 28-year-old Samuel Winter at Southwark Tube station – a single punch to the head proving fatal.

Rakeem Miles, 23, of East Street in Southwark, was convicted of manslaughter at Inner London Crown Court on March 21. A sentencing date has been set for May 8 at Inner London Crown Court.

In an impact statement, the bereaved family said: “We have lost our gentle, hugely compassionate, funny, intelligent and hard-working son, Sam, because of this entirely unprovoked and horrific assault.  

“We would do anything and give everything to have Sam back with us. But he’s gone for the rest of our lives.  

“The pain of his loss is almost unbearable for us, his wider family, many friends and all the people in his community, whom he loved to help through his physiotherapy, service and personal generosity.  

“We thank God, however, that his death isn’t the end for us. We’ll be reunited with Sam in heaven. “

The court heard how, on Thursday, August 22 last year, at around 9.30pm, Samuel, who was from Lewisham, arrived at the station having travelled on the eastbound Jubilee line. Miles had also been travelling on the same service, however he and Samuel were in different carriages and had not interacted.

As Samuel exited the station, he walked up the escalator, brushing past Miles, before continuing to walk. Miles reached for Samuel, who continued to walk ahead.

Samuel passed through the barrier line and headed out of the exit stairs, with Miles following a few seconds later, shouting after him.

Miles then reached out to Samuel, grabbing him from behind, ripping his top in two as he pulled Samuel to face him, and punched him once in the head before 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 that 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, Samuel died at hospital with his family by his side.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell said: “This was a truly tragic incident where one person’s actions and one punch has changed the lives of Samuel’s family forever.

“Samuel’s family described him as gentle and kind, and he will be sorely missed by all those who love him. I hope this outcome helps to bring them some peace and 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’m glad to see this conviction.”

Pictured top: Killer Rakeem Miles (Picture: BT Police)