A bus driver suffered a punctured lung and a tear to the heart after being stabbed in the back while driving his route in east London.
Bradley Peek, 20, fled the scene but was identified within hours by detectives using CCTV images and facial recognition technology.
Peek saw a friend arguing with the driver, in his 40s, on Commercial Road, Stepney at 3.15pm on Sunday, June 18, 2023.
He joined in the row, pulled out a knife and knifed the victim who was found at the junction with Arbour Square with an injury to his back.
As a result of the attack, the driver sustained a tear to the heart, fractures to seven ribs and a punctured lung.
His life was only saved by the expertise of medics at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel.
Pictures from the scene at the time show the driver’s bus abandoned behind police tape and surrounded by the emergency services.
Peek, of Jamaica Street, Stepney Green, was arrested and subsequently charged with grievous bodily harm with intent.
He was sentenced to more than five years in prison.
Metropolitan Police Detective Inspector Jonathan Potter, who led the investigation, said: “This was a senseless attack and a huge team effort from officers across the Met to secure justice for the victim.
“The use of facial recognition technology and CCTV footage allowed officers to quickly identify and locate Peek.
“I would also like to thank colleagues from the Royal London Hospital who performed an emergency operation which ultimately saved the victim’s life.”
Siwan Hayward, director of security, policing and enforcement at Transport for London, said: “This was an appalling act of violence against our colleague who was just trying to do their job.
“Our staff have the right to do their job without fear or intimidation and we do not tolerate any violence, aggression or threatening behaviour towards them.
“We will always work with the police to push for the strongest sentences possible for offenders, and we're pleased that the offender has been brought to justice.”
