A father of two was jailed for eight years after he chased a man onto railway tracks and stabbed him several times in a frenzied attack.

George Smith, 44, of Horseshoe Crescent, Camberley was found guilty of wounding with intent after an eight-day trial at Croydon Crown Court.

Smith, originally from Jamaica, was today jailed for eight years for his involvement in the incident at Norbury railway station on May 9, 2006.

British Transport Police Detective Constable Darren Stenning said it was a horrific ordeal for the victim who was waiting for a London-bound train when Smith set upon him.

"Smith started by glaring at the victim before he set upon him and started to punch him,” D Con Stenning said.

"Several other passengers broke up the incident and Smith left the station but returned a short time later and pulled out a large kitchen knife.

"The victim attempted to run but fell over and Smith jumped on him and stabbed him repeatedly. The victim tried to escape by running onto the tracks but was chased by Smith who continued to stab the victim.

"Smith then climbed back onto the platform and left his victim on the tracks. A member of the public risked his own life by going to rescue the victim from the tracks before a train arrived."

The court today awarded witness Rupert Ely of Norbury, a £1,000 reward from the Sheriff of London’s Court for his very brave actions in pulling the victim to safety from the tracks, which avoided further tragedy.

D Con Stenning said the case highlighted the worst in people and the best in people.

"This was a shocking unprovoked attack by a man with a string of convictions for offences including causing grievous bodily harm, robbery and possessing a gun and ammunition," he said.

"The victim suffered stab wounds to the leg and back and a collapsed lung.

“He also suffered injuries to his right hand. It’s a miracle he survived the attack let alone the potential of being struck by a train.

“Due to the heroic efforts of Mr Ely, who risked his own life to pull him to safety, we could have had a scenario of several fatalities all because someone was carrying a knife.

"This case is certainly a very rare occurrence of the railways, but is an example of the dangers of carrying knives on the railway.

"Since 2006, BTP has been deploying mobile metal detecting arches across the rail network to detect and deter knife carrying.

“This week during a special operation to target knife carrying at south London transport hubs, we have already seized five knives from passengers, thus making the railways a safer place to travel."