A killer who ‘showed no remorse’ for the young man he left for dead at a Tube station has found out exactly how long he will be in prison for. Rakeem Miles, 23, has been jailed today (Tuesday, June 24) for the manslaughter of Samuel Winter – a stranger who he punched in the head after Samuel brushed past him while leaving Southwark station.
Miles, of East Street in Southwark, was convicted of manslaughter at Inner London Crown Court on March 21. He was sentenced at the same court today to eight years’ imprisonment, with an extended licence period of 13 years. He must serve just under five and a half years’ imprisonment before he will be eligible for parole.
The court heard how, on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at around 9.30pm, 28-year-old Samuel arrived at the station having travelled on the eastbound Jubilee line. Miles had also been travelling on the same Tube, however he and Samuel were in different carriages and had not interacted at all.
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 while Miles remained in the same spot.
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 – a qualified physiotherapist, AI engineer and a volunteer with several charities – received CPR before he was taken to hospital with a critical brain injury. Meanwhile, the British Transport Police (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. Sadly, on the evening of August 24, Samuel died at hospital with his family by his side.
‘It only took one punch to end Samuel’s life and forever change the lives of those around him’
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell said: “Though nothing can bring Samuel back, I hope today’s sentencing allows his family some small measure of comfort as they continue to grieve for him.
“Samuel’s family described him as gentle and kind, and he will be sorely missed by all those who love him. 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’d like to thank my team for their hard work and determination to secure justice for Samuel’s family.”
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