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Knockholt train station murder: Life sentence for drug addict Jamie Simmons after killing Samir Draganovic

A heroin addict who chased a man down a station platform before stabbing him to death in an unprovoked attack has been jailed for life.

Jamie Simmons will serve a minimum of 26 years in prison for killing 23-year-old Samir Draganovic in November last year at Knockholt station near Sevenoaks.

He never told police why he carried out the brutal attack.

Jamie Simmons murdered 23-year-old Samir Draganovic after chasing him down the platform at Knockholt station
Jamie Simmons murdered 23-year-old Samir Draganovic after chasing him down the platform at Knockholt station

The jury took less than 90 minutes yesterday to reach a verdict that Simmons murdered Draganovic, whose body was spotted by a passing train driver later that night.

CCTV showed the pair running off the end of the platform, and then Simmons returning alone.

He had tried to plead guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility, saying he couldn’t remember the incident.

Simmons, of Blackfriars Road in London, handed himself into police three days after the murder following a public appeal.

CCTV shows Simmons walking back up Knockholt station seconds after the brutal murder. Picture: British Transport Police
CCTV shows Simmons walking back up Knockholt station seconds after the brutal murder. Picture: British Transport Police
CCTV shows Simmons walking back up Knockholt station seconds after the brutal murder. Picture: British Transport Police
CCTV shows Simmons walking back up Knockholt station seconds after the brutal murder. Picture: British Transport Police
CCTV shows Simmons walking back up Knockholt station seconds after the brutal murder. Picture: British Transport Police
CCTV shows Simmons walking back up Knockholt station seconds after the brutal murder. Picture: British Transport Police

Senior Investigating Officer Det Ch Insp Paul Langley, said: “Simmons is a dangerous man and prison is the right place for him to be.

"During trial he claimed that he couldn't remember ever assaulting Draganovic but the court saw through his attempts to avoid justice.

"The evidence against Simmons was so compelling, the jury took less that 90 minutes to reach a verdict of guilty.

“This was a brutal attack against a young man and appears to have been entirely random. Samir was simply on his way home.

“We're pleased with today's verdict but this will of course not replace the loss Samir's family continue to feel.

"I hope they can find some comfort knowing that Simmons is behind bars."

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