Five years’ jail for serial knife mugger who terrorised Tube

A serial mugger who repeatedly threatened to stab London Underground passengers has been jailed

Adham Khan, 26, preyed on commuters on the District line, telling one: "I'm not in a good mood — I'm going to kill somebody."

He then showed the terrified traveller a knife tucked down his trousers.

When the British Transport Police Robbery Squad eventually arrested him after tracking him down using CCTV, he simply told them: "I'm sorry."

Prosecutor Kristian Garsed told Southwark crown court that Khan, of Dagenham, struck three times on the District line in January and February.

On the first occasion he threatened to stab 16-year-old Shaun Campbell on a train leaving Dagenham Heathway and demanded his phone. Four days later he mugged a passenger on a train near Hornchurch station.

Victim Joshua Chapman described how Khan told him in a "quiet but menacing" voice: "Give me your phone or I will stab you."

The third robbery was on the platform at Becontree station, where Khan told his target Kamran Igaz: "I'm not in a very good mood today. I'm going to kill somebody. I'm going to stab somebody. Give me your mobile."

He then reached into his waistband and showed part of a knife.

Khan, who has nine previous convictions for 15 offences including robbery and possessing an offensive weapon, admitted three charges of robbery. The court was told he has a history of mental illness and is a regular cannabis user.

Judge Geoffrey Rivlin, QC, told him as he passed sentence: "You have demonstrated that you are prone to commit serious criminal offences, which are bound to have the effect of causing trauma and distress to your victims."