The 'Putney Pusher' could face a jail sentence of several years if convicted of intentionally harming the woman he allegedly pushed into the path of a double-decker bus in London, according to legal experts. However, the jogger might avoid imprisonment if a court determines he did not intend to injure her.
Arrest and Charges
On Monday, a 44-year-old millionaire banker was arrested at his £1.4 million west London home on suspicion of grievous bodily harm related to the incident, which occurred over nine years ago. He was later re-arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A and Class B drugs and has been bailed until September. Lawyers caution that the 'Putney Pusher' may not be the arrested banker, and charges could change as more details emerge.
Sentencing Depends on Intent
Joseph Kotrie-Monson, executive director of law firm Mary Monson, explained: 'The sentencing in a case like this rests on the intent a person is considered to have had. For a sentence of perhaps four to six years, a court would have to be satisfied that the defendant intended really serious harm. If not, the sentence might be a short prison term or more likely a community order.'
Sean Caulfield, a partner at Hodge Jones & Allen, added: 'A prison sentence would be very likely with a starting point of three years. However, a suspended sentence could not be ruled out. The fact that this is a notorious case should not affect the punishment.'
Risk of Harm vs Actual Harm
Sabrik Dhamu, senior associate at Taylor Rose, noted: 'Sentencing is not solely determined by actual harm. Where serious injury was risked but did not materialise, courts can still impose substantial sentences based on intended harm or the degree of danger created.'
The Incident
The shocking incident occurred during the early morning rush hour on May 5, 2017. The woman, aged 33, was walking south on Putney Bridge when she was allegedly shoved into the path of a double-decker bus. Bus driver Olivier Salbris swerved to avoid her, missing her by inches. The jogger reportedly returned 15 minutes later, and the woman confronted him.
Investigation
The Metropolitan Police examined over 50 'persons of interest' and made several arrests, including an American investment banker who was cleared after proving he was on holiday in California. The case was closed in June 2018 but reopened after public pressure. Putney MP Fleur Anderson praised Scotland Yard for persisting with the investigation.
