A UK-based Nigerian, Gloria Makanjuola, has been jailed for nine months for assaulting a man on a Central Line train, smashing his phone, and attempting to steal his wallet.

Ms Makanjuola, 35, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday 19 February to nine months’ imprisonment having pleaded guilty to Assault and Attempted Theft, British Transport Police (BTP) said in a statement.

During Mrs Makanjuola’ trial, the court heard how on Friday 3 March 2023, just before midnight, the victim was travelling on an Eastbound Central Line train to Hainault reading a newspaper.

According to BTP investigations, 

Makanjuola sat down next to the victim and asked for money before she began to rummage through his coat pocket. She took his phone out of his pocket, saying she would give it back if he gave her some money.

“The victim attempted to get his phone back, but Makanjuola was still rifling through his pocket and pulled out his wallet, taking £60 cash and dropping his phone,” BTP stated.

 “The victim later reported that Makanjuola was hitting him across his body in order to get his wallet. Makanjuola bent the victim’s fingers backwards, who was able to escape her grasp and run down the train, grabbing his phone as he did.”

It added, “Makanjuola chased him, tackling him to the ground near the doors as the train arrived into Hainault Underground station. She got off the victim, gathered her things, and left the station while members of the public and railway staff helped the victim up, who discovered his phone had been smashed and broken.”

Bronwyn Prew, BTP Detective Sergeant, said, “This was a targeted attack on a member of the public minding his own business, so I’m very pleased to see Makanjuola jailed for her erratic and aggressive behaviour. 

“There is absolutely no place for violence, robbery, or theft on the railway, and we will continue to prosecute those who seek to use the network for their own criminal gain.”