Islington Tribune - NewS: Attacker pushed passenger onto tracks

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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 21 December 2007

Attacker pushed passenger onto tracks

A HOMELESS man who pushed a Highbury solicitor onto the tracks at Covent Garden Tube station was jailed for a minimum of four-and-a-half years on Wednesday.
British Transport Police investigators used DNA evidence and financial analysis to track down Stephen Johnson, 46, following the attack at the station in April last year.
Johnson was found guilty of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent at Southwark Crown Court this week.
The court heard how onlookers watched in horror as the victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, was pushed onto the tracks.
Luckily, he was pulled to safety before a train arrived in the station.
Detective Sergeant Paula Jones said: “This was a cold and senseless act of violence on a 32-year-old man who was simply making his way home after a night out.
“Johnson walked past and pushed him from behind, before fleeing the scene.”
The victim suffered a deep gash to his forehead in the fall. Other passengers helped him back onto the platform before the arrival of the next train, only three minutes away. He was taken to University College Hospital in Euston for treatment.
Det Sgt Jones added: “Detectives immediately sent the victim’s jumper for forensic analysis, which identified Johnson as the culprit.
“Because he had no fixed address, his photograph was circulated to police stations to help track him down. Detectives also used information about the pattern of some of Johnson’s financial transactions to conduct a covert operation to identify and arrest him.”

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