Tube passenger killed commuter with single punch after he brushed past him
Rakeem Miles, 23, knocked out Samuel Winter, 28, with a punch to the head at Southwark underground station in August last year.
Mr Winter, an AI engineer, suffered a critical brain injury and died two days later in hospital.
Miles was convicted of manslaughter at Inner London Crown Court on Wednesday but will serve just five and a half years of his eight-year sentence when he becomes eligible for parole.
Mr Winter was making his way out of the station at 9.30pm on Aug 22 last year when he brushed past Miles on his way up the escalator.
Miles then followed him and began to shout abuse before grabbing him from behind. He then inflicted a single blow to Mr Winter's head, which left him collapsed on the stairs.
Miles fled the scene but was arrested by the British Transport Police at a shop near the same station the following morning, after his movements were tracked on his Oyster card.
Miles denied manslaughter but was convicted and sentenced by Judge Benedict Kelleher to eight years imprisonment with an extended licence period of five years.
He will serve less than five and a half years in prison before becoming eligible for parole.
Mr Winter's parents, who they said had a 'deep faith', said they had 'unconditionally forgiven' Miles for his 'unprovoked and horrific assault'.
They said: '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. There we'll have eternity to enjoy his company and all he is and does in the presence of our eternally loving, heavenly Father.
'That reality gives us huge hope today and will do tomorrow, until we're all together again in heaven. When we welcome God into our lives, our loving relationships are forever.'
They added: 'We have unconditionally forgiven Rakeem. As followers of Jesus, we know this is the only way to freedom, peace and well-being in our hearts – to not harbour anger or bitterness.
'We and many others who knew and loved Sam, are inspired to make this world a better place by welcoming Holy Spirit to be with us and loving one another with the love He brings – just like Sam did and God wants us all to do. We welcome you to join us in doing the same.'
Det Ch Insp Paul Attwell, the case's senior investigating officer, added: '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.'
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