Man pushed London Underground passenger onto tracks during ‘wave of violence’, court hears | UK News

A man went on a 35-minute “spree of violence” for “no reason” against strangers on the London Underground, including pushing a passenger onto the tracks, a court heard.

Donovan Kenlyn “chased and punched” passenger Samer Jawad at Baker Street station in October 2022, a jury at the Old Bailey was told.

Minutes later, the 39-year-old man got off a train at Finchley Road station and “pushed” Angel Cambeiro onto the tracks – narrowly missing those that were in operation.

He then traveled to West Hampstead station where he struck a third man, Peter Acton.

None of the three men knew the defendant.

Kenlyn accepted he was involved in all three incidents, but denied the allegations because he suffered from schizophrenia.

Judge Philip Katz KC said: “Physical actions are not in dispute, this is a case where you will consider mental health at least.”

Prosecutor Michael Williams said: “On the morning of Thursday 27th October 2022, defendant Donovan Kenlyn went on a rampage of violence against members of the public on the London Underground.”

He said the party lasted 35 minutes and was “for no known reason.”

Williams said: “It is accepted on behalf of the defendant that he was the man who punched Mr Jawad, who caused Mr Cambeiro to fall onto the tracks and who struck Mr Acton.”

In a witness statement read to the court, Mr Jawad described how the defendant began speaking “aggressively” to him.

He said Kenlyn accused him of “saying something,” including “did you say black?” and the complainant fled across the platform.

Jawad added: “At some point while I was being chased I said, ‘I didn’t say anything, I didn’t say anything’.”

CCTV footage shown on the court showed Mr Jawad on the ground and Kenlyn hitting him.

Williams said Cambeiro saw Kenlyn “looking aggressive” and walking toward him along the platform with his fist clenched.

The defendant raised his fist and the next thing Mr. Cambeiro realized was that he was on the track with a dislocated and broken elbow, the prosecutor added.

Minutes later, at West Hampstead station, Kenlyn crashed into a carriage behind Mr Acton and struck him, causing him to fall into the seat dividers and fracture his ribs.

Kenlyn is charged with attempted murder and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm with intent on Mr Cambeiro, assault occasioning actual bodily harm on Mr Acton and assault by beating Mr Jawad.

The trial continues.