A 19-year-old man named Rackeem Thomas was arrested at Dartford railway station in south London after being found with a large combat knife. The incident occurred on Monday, December 18, when Thomas, who has no fixed address, was stopped by a ticket inspector for failing to produce a valid ticket.
During the ticket check on a train travelling between Shortlands and Beckenham Stations, Thomas resisted the inspector. A struggle ensued, during which Thomas attempted to draw a concealed Rambo-style blade from his waistband. Passengers witnessed the alarming scene unfold.
The following day, Thomas appeared at Medway Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to possessing a pointed or bladed weapon. He was sentenced to six months in prison, ordered to forfeit and destroy the knife, and fined an £85 forfeiture and destruction order along with a £154 victim surcharge.
Thomas now faces an attempted murder charge related to a violent attack on the train. The victim, a man in his 20s, remains in critical but stable condition in hospital. Thomas has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on March 30.
Originally published by UKNIP.
