Elizabeth line killer bludgeoned victim with horseshoe after row on train

A 42-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment after murdering a 24-year-old with a horseshoe following a disagreement on an Elizabeth line train last year.

Virgo Kirkpatrick, of Whitby Road, Slough, struck his victim, Thomas Parker, over the head with the horseshoe at Reading station on July 30 2022, after a series of vocal altercations over loud music being played on the train.

Mr Parker had boarded at London Paddington after watching Arsenal defeat Sevilla 6-0 at the Emirates Stadium in a preseason match.

Kirkpatrick and two friends boarded at Slough carrying a boom box, and it was following this that disagreements between the two groups began.

It was at Reading station where CCTV footage shows Kirkpatrick strike Mr Parker on the back of the head with the horseshoe after removing the item from his bag. Mr Parker died at the scene, while his brother chased Kirkpatrick and tackled him to the ground.

Kirkpatrick was found guilty following a trial at Reading Crown Court, and was later sentenced to life imprisonment, to serve a minimum of 21 years and 123 days.

In a statement released paying tribute to Mr Parker, his family said: “Whilst we are happy with the verdict as the best possible outcome in this situation, for us this is not a celebration, as the loss we have endured is far greater than any prison sentence.

“Tom had his whole life ahead of him, and he brought so much joy to his family and friends. He had never, and would never hurt a soul, so it is heartbreaking that he was taken from us in such an evil and senseless attack that could have been avoided.

“The past eight months have been hell for us as a family, not made easier by the gruelling two weeks of court, where Tom’s name and character were attacked, untrue and unfair to a person who is no longer here to defend himself.

“It is this reason, and the lack of emotion or remorse shown in Mr Virgo’s apology, said in a desperate attempt to save himself, that we do not, and will never forgive him.”

They added: “Furthermore, we as a family would like to thank all the emergency services involved that night of the 30th July including the British Transport Police for their on-going support.”

Det Ch Insp Paul Langley, the senior investigating officer for British Transport Police (BTP), said: “Whilst no prison sentence can bring Tom back for his family and loved ones, we’re pleased with the sentence handed down by the court today.

“Virgo is a dangerous individual who needlessly and senselessly took the life of another man just because of a petty argument about some loud music. It is only right that he now faces more than two decades behind bars.

“My thanks go to the investigative team in this case, who worked tirelessly to get justice for Tom, and to the family – who have held themselves at court during the trial with absolute dignity.

“I can only hope that today’s sentence gives them some closure and peace that justice has been done.”