Brutal Bus Attack: Man Jailed for Slashing Victim’s Neck on Route 30
Rene Thomas, 36, from Murray Grove, N1, was sentenced on Wednesday, November 4, at Snaresbrook Crown Court. He admitted to grievous bodily harm with intent and carrying a bladed weapon in public after a vicious stabbing on a Route 30 bus in Dalston.
Horror on the Upper Deck
The shocking attack happened just before midnight on October 25, 2019. Police were called to Dalston Lane after reports that a man had been stabbed on the top deck of the bus. Officers found the victim, a man in his 20s, sitting with his girlfriend, a scarf pressed to his neck to cover a deep gash.
Medics from London Ambulance Service rushed the victim to an east London hospital. He suffered a 10cm-long, 1.5cm-deep wound to the right side of his neck but was in stable condition.
Cold-Blooded Assault Caught on CCTV
The victim boarded the bus at Kings Cross with his partner, sitting three rows from the back. Thomas got on later, hood up and face masked, and sat just a couple of rows behind. Without warning, Thomas slapped the victim and then slashed his neck as the bus stopped at Dalston Lane.
Using CCTV footage and a Freedom Pass linked to Thomas, police zeroed in on him. Officers arrested Thomas at his home in the early hours of October 30. He was charged the next day.
Police Praise Quick Justice and Safety of London’s Bus Network
“The evidence against Thomas was overwhelmingly strong, leaving him with no option but to plead guilty,” said PC Bowman from the Met’s Roads and Transport Command. “While this was a totally unprovoked attack, I would like to remind the public that London’s bus network remains safe and attacks like this are rare.”
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Hindmarsh added, “This was a horrific, unprovoked attack. The victim is recovering and showed great bravery. We worked closely with TfL to ensure swift justice. The clear CCTV footage sends a strong message: criminals on our buses will be caught.”
Siwan Hayward, Director at TfL, stated, “We welcome Thomas’ conviction. Our customers deserve to travel safely. Violent incidents are thankfully rare, and we support the toughest penalties for those who threaten safety on our network.”
