Violent Central Line Robber Sentenced to Nine Months in Prison
A prolific thief has been jailed after a brutal robbery on a Central Line train where she bent her victim's fingers backwards during a violent assault. Gloria Makanjuola, 35, of Cranbrook Road in Ilford, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday, February 19, to nine months' imprisonment after pleading guilty to charges of Assault and Attempted Theft.
Details of the Aggressive Train Attack
The incident occurred on March 3, 2023, aboard an Eastbound Central Line train heading toward Hainault. Makanjuola targeted a male passenger who was quietly reading a newspaper, sitting down beside him and demanding money. She then began rummaging through his coat pockets without permission.
During the confrontation, Makanjuola removed the victim's phone from his pocket, promising to return it only if he provided cash. When the victim attempted to retrieve his phone, she continued searching his pockets and took his wallet, which contained approximately £60 in cash. In the struggle, she dropped the phone.
The attack escalated violently as Makanjuola struck the victim across his body to maintain control of the wallet. Most disturbingly, she bent his fingers backwards in a painful maneuver during the theft. The victim managed to break free from her grasp, grabbing his phone and fleeing down the train carriage.
Chase and Arrest at Hainault Station
Makanjuola pursued the victim as the train arrived at Hainault Underground station, tackling him to the ground near the doors. After the altercation, she gathered her belongings and exited the station while bystanders assisted the injured victim. It was then that he discovered his phone had been smashed and rendered unusable during the attack.
Nearby police officers were alerted to the incident, and at approximately 1 a.m., an officer at a nearby petrol station spotted a woman matching Makanjuola's description. She was promptly arrested and later charged in connection with the violent robbery.
Police Response and Public Warning
British Transport Police Detective Sergeant Bronwyn Prew condemned the attack, stating: "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."
DS Prew emphasized that violence, robbery, and theft have no place on the railway network, vowing that authorities will continue to prosecute those who exploit the transport system for criminal purposes. She urged the public to report any incidents of robbery or assault on railways by texting 61016, calling 0800 40 50 40, or speaking directly to railway staff to ensure swift justice.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about safety on London's Underground network and serves as a reminder of the consequences for violent criminal behavior on public transport.
