The attack at Oxford Circus

A MAN who pushed a West End postal worker on to the tracks at Oxford Circus was sentenced to life imprisonment yesterday, Thursday.

Brwa Shorsh, 24, was told he could not apply for parole for eight years at Inner London Crown Court after being found guilty of the attempted murder.

A shocking film shows him pushing Tadeusz Potoczek off the platform as a south-bound Victoria line train approached on February 3. The train was able to stop before reaching the 60-year-old, on his way home after completing his rounds in Soho.

CCTV footage shows Mr Shorsh getting up from a bench on the platform and suddenly leaping up and shoving Mr Potoczek from behind.

He fell onto the tracks but managed to stay on his feet and a passer-by helped him to climb back up, as the train slowed to a stop as it came out of the tunnel.

The judge awarded the hero £1,000 after commending his bravery and quick reaction.

Maxine Jarrousse-Jones, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Brwa Shorsh attempted to kill the victim by deliberately and forcefully pushing him into the path of an approaching train. He intended to harm the victim and it is impossible to imagine anything that could ever justify pushing anyone in front of a train like that.

Brwa Shorsh, described in court as homeless

“If not for the victim’s quick-thinking, the courage of the other passenger who came to his rescue, and the speed at which the train driver brought the train to a halt, Shorsh’s actions could have cost the victim his life.

“Commuters should be able to travel freely without fear of violence or harm and I hope this sentencing is a reminder that such acts will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted as fully as the law allows.”

By the time police arrived Mr Shorsh had run off but was later arrested in Islington.

The CPS said that on arrest he suggested to officers he had been made angry by “a dirty look” from Mr Potoczek. He accepted the shove was “scary” but that he did not know a train was coming and had not intended to kill Mr Potoczek. Court reports said he apologised during the hearing but that in the moment he had “wanted revenge”.

DCI Sam Painter said: “I am pleased with today’s result and wish to thank everyone involved in the investigation who quickly worked to identify and arrest Shorsh. As reflected by the life sentence handed down, Shorsh is an extremely dangerous individual who is thankfully now off the streets and behind bars. It is hoped that this will provide some comfort and closure to his victim who continues to work toward his recovery from this terrifying encounter.”