In December 2022, a man was attacked with a plank of wood until he was rendered unconscious and robbed.

The attacker, Jody Cole, aged 44, was sentenced to three years and four months imprisonment this month for the attack on the victim and two police officers.

The attack occurred on the 2nd December 2022, when the victim, aged in his 50s, was walking towards Earls Court Underground Station, where he was struck by Cole.

Cole then stole his wallet and attempted to flee, but two police officers who had been alerted to the situation attempted to stop him. He punched and kicked at the officers until they were forced into the road, where one of them was injured by a car, meaning he was able to flee the scene.

Officers turned their attention to the victim, who was bleeding from the head and had a broken nose, as well as numerous other wounds.

Later on in the evening, Cole tried to use the cards in the stolen wallet at a nearby supermarket.

An investigation was launched, and numerous police officers were given an image to help identify Cole, which led to his arrest.

“I’m very pleased with the outcome in this case. Cole is a depraved individual who brutally assaulted his victim in an unprovoked attack, in full view of other commuters and the public.

“I also want to commend the actions of the two officers from the Metropolitan Police, who put themselves in harm’s way while attempting to protect the victim and detain Cole.

“I hope that this sentence provides the victims with a sense of closure, and underscores our commitment to the travelling public that there is absolutely no place for behaviour like this on the railway network.”

Detective Constable Richard Rowe