Court of Appeal extends sentence for gang member behind violent robbery and stabbing spree targeting Tube passengers
The Solicitor General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, has successfully secured a significantly longer prison sentence for a man who took part in a series of violent robberies and stabbings across London’s Underground network.
Adel Kerari, from the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, had his prison term increased by one year and one month after the solicitor general referred the case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
The court heard that Kerari was part of a gang responsible for a sustained campaign of violence carried out over a two-week period in June 2023. The group deliberately targeted lone commuters at a number of London Underground stations, including Holborn, Russell Square, Leicester Square, Goldhawk Road and Leyton.
Victims were subjected to brutal assaults as the gang stole mobile phones, wallets and bank cards. Several of those attacked were stabbed during the robberies.
On one particularly violent day, Kerari and his accomplices carried out three separate robberies involving two men and one woman at Underground stations across the capital. Each victim was robbed of their phone, while personal belongings, including wallets and bank cards were also taken. Two of the victims sustained stab wounds during the attacks.
In total, seven people were targeted during six separate incidents.
Following the successful appeal, Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC MP said:
“Adel Kerari deliberately preyed on lone passengers travelling across the London Underground during a shocking spree of violence. These robberies and stabbings were vicious, calculated attacks on members of the public.
“I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to increase his sentence following my referral. Violent offenders and organised gangs pose a serious threat to the safety of our towns and cities, and I will continue to act on behalf of victims to ensure sentences properly reflect the gravity of these crimes.”
British Transport Police Detective Sergeant Tony Gittins described Kerari as an exceptionally dangerous offender whose actions had terrorised passengers across the network.
“Kerari is an extremely violent criminal who carried out a brazen series of robberies across the London Underground and fully deserves to remain behind bars for the foreseeable future.
“We welcome today’s decision to extend his sentence and hope it provides at least some measure of reassurance to the victims, who have shown remarkable courage throughout the judicial process.”
A spokesperson for Transport for London said the offences represented some of the most serious crimes that could be committed on the capital’s transport system.
“These were appalling acts of violence that have absolutely no place on London’s transport network, and we are pleased the offender has been brought to justice.
“The safety of our customers and staff remains our highest priority. We continue to work closely with both the Metropolitan Police and the British Transport Police through targeted patrols, intelligence-led operations, extensive CCTV coverage and data analysis to identify offenders and bring them before the courts.
“We remain committed to ensuring our transport network is a safe and secure place for everyone who travels and works on it.”
Kerari was originally sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on 9 January 2025 to two years and eight months’ imprisonment after admitting six counts of robbery and one count of fraud.
Following the Solicitor General’s referral, the Court of Appeal ruled on 25 June 2026 that the original sentence was unduly lenient and increased it to three years and nine months’ imprisonment.
