Racist jailed for Victoria Station knife attack on commuter after Circle Line row
Christopher Patricks, 41, hurled racist abuse at victim Ali Razzaq before punching him in the chest and face.
He then pulled a knife from his rucksack and threatened to kill Mr Razzaq, before thrusting at him with the weapon, British Transport Police said.
Patricks fled after the attack, on October 11 last year, but his movements were traced thanks to CCTV.
Officers analysed his regular Tube use and lay in wait at St James' Park station – on his usual route – with armed officers ready to arrest him on October 14.
Patricks, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated grievous bodily harm and wounding with intent, and he was sentenced last week at Inner London crown court to four years and three months in prison.
Police said the incident began at just after 5pm on a westbound Circle Line train towards Paddington, when Patricks began to hit the victim with his bag.
'He grew more aggressive towards the victim, demanding he move back and saying he wouldn't let him off at the next stop', the force said.
'As the train arrived at Victoria, both the victim and Patricks got off the train and the verbal assault continued, with Patricks racially abusing the victim.
'Patricks, who was following behind the victim, then shoulder-barged him from behind and punched him in the chest and face. He then took his rucksack off and pulled out a knife, saying he would stab and kill the victim.
'He then thrusted the knife towards the victims chest twice who used his arms to attempt to block the knife, with Patricks repeatedly saying that he was going to kill the victim.'
An off-duty police officer came to Mr Razzaq's assistance at the station, before paramedics arrived and he was rushed to hospital.
Detective Chief Inspector Thanh Ly said: "This was an exceptionally savage and random attack which saw a man nearly lose his life, so I am so I am extremely pleased to see Patricks put behind bars for his volatile actions.
"There is absolutely no place for violent or abusive behaviour on the railway network, especially that which is motivated by hate, and we will continue to bring offenders for justice."
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