A homeless man has been sentenced to life in jail with a minimum term of eight years for pushing a stranger onto the tracks of the London Underground. Brwa Shorsh, 24, was found guilty of attempted murder in the attack that took place at Oxford Circus station. The victim, postman Tadeusz Potoczek, was pushed off the platform and into the path of an oncoming train by Shorsh, who had entered the UK illegally.
Shorsh, of no fixed address, carried out the unprovoked attack on Mr. Potoczek, causing him to fall onto the tracks just as a train was approaching. Fortunately, the victim managed to stay on his feet and was helped by a passerby to climb back up onto the platform before the train arrived. The court heard that Mr. Potoczek narrowly avoided touching the live rail on the tracks.
During the sentencing at Inner London Crown Court, Mr. Justice Kelleher remarked that Shorsh’s actions would instill fear in every traveller on the Underground. The judge highlighted Shorsh’s history of violent acts, including previous offences of assault and battery, as well as racially aggravated incidents. Shorsh had committed multiple offences since arriving in the UK, prompting the judge to deem him a high risk to public safety.
Shorsh’s violent behaviour culminated in the attempted murder of Mr. Potoczek, which was described by the Crown Prosecution Service as a deliberate and heinous act. The court heard how Shorsh admitted to pushing the victim onto the tracks because he was angered by a perceived dirty look and by the actions of women on a previous train.
Despite his troubled background and history of violent offences, Shorsh was held accountable for his actions and handed a life sentence by the court. The judge emphasised the seriousness of Shorsh’s conduct and the potential danger he posed to members of the public. The sentencing served as a reminder that such acts of violence will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The case has raised concerns about safety and security on the London Underground, with commuters expecting to travel without fear of violence or harm. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and safety measures to protect passengers on public transport systems. As Shorsh begins his life sentence, the victim, Mr. Potoczek, can hopefully find some closure and reassurance that justice has been served.