AI engineer Samuel Winter, 28, died from brain injury after vicious attack at Southwark station as devastated family reveal they’ve ‘unconditionally forgiven’ his remorseless killer
A callous Tube passenger who killed a charitable AI engineer with a single punch after the victim brushed past him on an escalator will serve less than six years behind bars.
Rakeem Miles, 24, flew into a murderous rage when Samuel Winter, 28, accidentally made contact with him while hurrying up the escalator at Southwark Underground station at 9.30pm on August 22 last year.
In a shocking display of senseless violence, Miles chased the innocent commuter through the ticket barriers, grabbed him from behind, ripped his shirt in two, and delivered a devastating punch that would prove fatal.
Mr Winter collapsed on the station stairs with catastrophic brain injuries. Despite paramedics performing CPR at the scene, he died two days later in hospital with his heartbroken family by his side.
Now, in a sentence that has sparked outrage, Judge Benedict Kelleher has handed Miles just eight years in prison – but he’ll be eligible for parole after serving less than five and a half years.
The Gentle Giant Who Gave Everything
Samuel Winter wasn’t just another face in the London commuter crowd. The 28-year-old was a qualified physiotherapist, an AI engineer, and a dedicated volunteer who spent his free time helping various charities.
His devastated family painted a picture of a man whose kindness touched everyone he met. “Sam was a very much-loved son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew and friend,” they said in a heart-wrenching tribute.
“His family and friends will remember him as gentle and kind, quick-witted and funny, with deep faith and an unendingly giving spirit.”
In an extraordinary display of grace, the family revealed they had “unconditionally forgiven” Miles despite their unbearable loss. “We would do anything and give everything to have Sam back with us. But he’s gone for the rest of our lives,” they said.
30 Seconds of Rage That Destroyed Lives
The court heard how both men had been travelling on the same eastbound Jubilee Line train that fateful August evening, though in different carriages and with no prior interaction.
As Mr Winter exited at Southwark station and walked up the escalator, he briefly brushed past Miles – the kind of minor contact that happens thousands of times daily on the crowded London Underground.
But instead of letting it go, Miles erupted. He shouted abuse at Mr Winter, who continued walking, unaware of the danger behind him.
Like a predator stalking prey, Miles followed his victim through the ticket barriers and up the exit stairs. In a final burst of violence, he grabbed Mr Winter from behind, spinning him around with such force that he tore the victim’s shirt in half.
Then came the fatal blow – a single, powerful punch to the head that sent Mr Winter crashing to the ground, where he would never rise again.
No Remorse: Killer Just Walked Away
Perhaps most chilling was Miles’ complete lack of humanity after the attack. As Mr Winter lay dying on the station stairs, his attacker simply walked away and “continued on with his evening,” according to Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell.
“He showed no remorse for his action,” DCI Attwell said, describing how Miles left his victim collapsed and alone.
The killer might have escaped justice entirely if not for one crucial mistake – he’d used his Oyster card to enter the station. British Transport Police traced the card to a shop near Southwark station where Miles had topped it up the previous day.
When detectives arrived at the shop the next morning, the shopkeeper told them Miles had just left. Officers found him outside and arrested him – initially only for grievous bodily harm, as Mr Winter was still clinging to life in hospital.
A Community in Mourning
The senseless killing has sent shockwaves through south London, where Mr Winter was known for his charitable work and gentle nature. The qualified physiotherapist had dedicated his life to helping others, both through his professional work and volunteer activities.
“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,” his family said.
Despite their Christian faith providing some comfort – they believe Sam is “now at home with his beloved Jesus” – they acknowledged the devastating reality: “Our family will never be the same and we’ll always miss him.”
Justice Denied?
Miles was initially charged with murder but was cleared by a jury at Inner London Crown Court, instead being convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter on March 21.
Judge Kelleher sentenced him to eight years‘ imprisonment with an extended licence period of five years. But with parole eligibility after just five years and five months, Miles could be walking the same London streets by 2030.
For a devastated family and community, it’s a sentence that seems woefully inadequate for such a senseless loss of life.
Zero Tolerance – But Where’s the Deterrent?
DCI Attwell insisted there is “zero tolerance for violence on the railway” and praised his team’s quick work in catching Miles. But with the killer set to serve such a short sentence for taking a life, many will question whether justice has truly been served.
It only took one punch from Miles to end Samuel’s life and forever change the lives of those around him,” the detective said.
As London’s Tube network continues to see rising levels of violence, the case serves as a chilling reminder of how quickly a minor incident can escalate to tragedy. For Samuel Winter’s family, no amount of time will bring back their gentle, caring son.
But less than six years for taking a life? That’s a punch in the gut to anyone who believes in justice.
