Man jailed after unprovoked assault and robbery - London

A man has been jailed for three years after viciously assaulting and robbing a man at Victoria Underground station and for assaulting an officer, following a British Transport Police investigation.

Alistair Rutherford, 45 (20/11/1979), and of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to robbery and assaulting an emergency service worker at Central Criminal Court on 16 May, before being sentenced to three years imprisonment at Inner London Crown Court on 16 June. He was also given a victim surcharge fee of £228.

The court heard how on 3 April 2025 just before 9pm, Rutherford approached a man stood outside Victoria Underground station and kicked him unprovoked in the face, knocking him down.

As the victim got back to his feet, Rutherford kicked him again several teams in the head, chest, and back. Rutherford then took the victims bag from the floor as well as his headphones, which were around the victims’ neck.

Rutherford then fled the scene, and the victim reported what had happened to station staff who in turn called British Transport Police.

Officers attended shortly afterwards and began to search for Rutherford, who was seen walking along a foot tunnel into the station.

Rutherford attempted to flee but was chased by officers and was found to be in possession of the victim’s bag and headphones.

He struggled with the officers as he was arrested, headbutting an officer before being taken into custody.

Detective Constable Victoria Price said: “I’m extremely pleased with the result in this case. Rutherford acted with extreme and unprovoked violence for his own personal gain, before again striking out at our officers. We do not tolerate violence of any kind on the railway network, whether it be aimed towards passengers or towards our officers as they carry out their duties.

“I want to thank the victim for bravely and quickly reporting the incident to staff, meaning officers could immediately begin to carry out a search of the area that resulted in Rutherford being identified and arrested shortly afterwards. We do not tolerate robbery on the network, and will continue to bring offenders to justice.”

Anyone who is victim to or witnesses a robbery on the railway network is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency, always dial 999.