A man who attacked a Tube passenger at Clapham Common station has been jailed for 12 weeks after CCTV images placed him at the scene of the crime.

Clive Collins, 45, of Islington, was sentenced at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday September 28 after pleading guilty to common assault.

The unprovoked attack took place on March 24, in evening rush hour on a platform at Clapham Common Tube station.

Collins spat at the 26-year-old man while he was stood on the platform, before following him onto a North-bound Northern Line train.

In the carriage, Collins then began punching the man repeatedly, and they had to be separated by members of the public, before the victim fled the train at Clapham North, leaving Collins on the train.

The unnamed victim, from Stroud Green, suffered a cut and bruised face.

British Transport Police’s Detective Constable Mark Connor, who was the investigating officer for the attack, said: “The victim was very shaken after this sustained and unprovoked attack, which came out of the blue as he was making his way home from work.

“CCTV images were used to confirm his identity and officers went to his home address to arrest him.

“CCTV images of Collins at the scene of the assault, secured a guilty plea in court.”

Mike Maynard, Head of Operational Support of London Underground, said: "These sort of unprovoked attacks are extremely rare on the Tube.

“Londoner’s have the right to travel safely on our network without fear of being threatened or intimidated by thugs like Collins and I am glad our CCTV helped the British Transport Police bring this man to justice.”