Jailed: Man who ran knife down victim's face before ordering him to take off his shoes

 
Threats: John Wesley Thomas
British Transport Police
Sebastian Mann2 June 2015
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A man has been jailed over an attempted robbery on a London train in which he ran the point of a knife down a man's face before ordering him to remove his shoes.

John Wesley Thomas, 48, currently imprisoned for another offence, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday to 18 months.

During his trial, the court heard how he threatened his 22-year-old victim, tried to steal his belongings including a laptop and then attempted to punch him.

Thomas had boarded a Dalston Junction-bound Overground train at Crystal Palace shortly before noon on August 29 last year.

After engaging his victim in conversation he leaned over and ran the point of a knife down his face before ordering him to remove his shoes and place his laptop as well as his mobile phone on the seat next to him.

He threw a punch when the 22-year-old managed to evade the blow.

British Transport Police officers identified Thomas following a witness appeal.

Detective Inspector Simon Collins said: “Thomas subjected his victim to a frightening ordeal, threatening him with a knife.

“Incidents like this are rare and I would like to assure the public that BTP is working hard with our partners in the rail industry to keep passengers safe."

Thomas was sentenced to 18 months for attempted robbery, four months for possession of a bladed article and one month for common assault, to be served concurrently.

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