Two separate violent incidents of knife crime on Southeastern’s network have led to prison sentences for the perpetrators of 12 years and two years, sending a clear message that the railway and the courts will not tolerate attacks on staff.
An incident at Bromley South Station in May 2021 led to four Southeastern staff being assaulted during a ticket check, with one receiving multiple stab wounds and another losing a tooth.
In a separate incident at Canterbury East Station in December 2022, a security guard was threatened with a knife by a perpetrator who forced their way through the ticket barrier and whilst being removed from the station. When he was apprehended, the attacker had two knives in his possession and more weapons were found in his home.
Siobhan Bradshaw, Southeastern’s General Manager Revenue, Crime & Enforcement, welcomed the news of the sentences, saying;
“The railway is a safe and welcoming place and we do not tolerate violence against customers or staff so we welcome these convictions which send a strong message from the Courts. We welcome the news that these individuals have received prison sentences that will give them time to reflect on their behaviour and the impact of their actions on those around them.
This sends a strong signal to people that we will not tolerate abusive, anti social or violent behaviour against staff or customers on our network, and that the law will prosecute those found guilty.
“Our staff deserve to be able to go about their work helping customers without fear of violence or abuse and hope that these sentences may make others think twice about how they act in their community.”
During the trials footage from both CCTV and Body Worn Video (BWV) cameras provided vital evidence as to the suspect’s movements and their actions towards staff and customers.
