Man tried to drag woman onto South London train tracks before Good Samaritan intervened

A man who tried to drag a woman onto the railway tracks in New Eltham has been jailed. Matthew Griffin, 24, of Russell Close in Bromley, approached the victim while she stood on the station platform on October 26 last year.

After she declined to speak to him, Griffin became aggressive and threatened to throw her onto the tracks. The court heard how he repeated the threat before dragging her from behind towards the edge of the platform.

The attack was only stopped when a member of the public intervened and the woman managed to slip out of the coat she was wearing. Matthew Griffin pleaded guilty to attempted grievous bodily harm and was jailed for 28 months at Inner London Crown Court today (Monday, April 30). He was also handed a five-year restraining order.

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Investigating officer DC Gemma Lee said: “To say this was a terrifying incident is an understatement. The woman was literally fighting for her life as Griffin tried to drag her onto the tracks.

“The impact of this attack has been immeasurable - she has been mentally scarred from what happened and continues to have flashbacks and panic attacks.

“Griffin is a dangerous individual who is now behind bars. It is hoped this will provide some comfort to this brave woman and allow her to begin her recovery.”

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