A Tube fare dodger who launched a vicious attack on a passenger after blocking his way through the barrier has been jailed.
Rikki Holmes, 33, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison at Inner London Crown Court on January 29 after he left the man life-threatening injuries, including a bleed on the brain and collapsed lungs.
Holmes, from Croydon, attempted to barge through a barrier at London Bridge station on August 20, 2023 without paying, before being grabbed by bystander Ian McQueen.
Mr McQueen grabbed Holmes by his collar, causing him to stumble. Holmes then turned around and punched McQueen in the face.
McQueen fell backwards, hitting his head off the station floor before lying motionless.
Holmes then proceeded to punch and kick him in the face.
The attack left McQueen with a bleed on the brain, a fractured jaw, a broken nose, a fractured rib and two collapsed lungs.
Transport for London staff alerted police and paramedics attended the scene.
Rikki Holmes (pictured) was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for brutally attacking a man at London Bridge station
Holmes (pictured) was arrested after a media appeal to identify the violent attacker
Holmes was identified as the attacker and arrested after a media appeal.
Officers carried out a warrant at his home in Spring Lane, South Norwood.
On searching his address, police found cannabis, a baton and a pair of nunchucks.
Holmes was sentenced to three years and five months’ imprisonment after being convicted of grievous bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon and having Class B drug.
Christopher Pretty, BTP DC and investigating officer on the case, said: ‘What started out as a minor dispute over Holmes’s pushing behind the victim through the ticket barrier then descended into serious violence that left the victim requiring a lengthy stay in hospital.
‘The psychological impact on him will also remain for a very long time.
‘I’m glad to see that the sentence handed down reflects the gravity of the offence.
‘Holmes continued his attack even when the victim was unconscious on the ground and posed no threat to him at all.
‘Holmes didn’t co-operate at all during police interviews, but the weight of the evidence we gathered against him, combined with our witness and mobile phone enquiries, meant that we were able to prove his guilt.
‘It’s a great reflection of the investigative team’s work, and will hopefully go some small way to helping the victim put this traumatic episode behind him.’