DNA from a violent thug’s vomit played a key role in bringing him to justice after he thrust a broken bottle into a man’s face.

Akeem Finlay, of The Waldrons, Croydon, has been jailed for six years for the attack at West Norwood station on a 20-year-old man.

His two accomplices have never been caught but as Finlay ran from the scene he threw up.

This was a vital piece of evidence for the police and during the 24-year-old’s trial for GBH with intent, which finished yesterday, the jury heard there was a billion-to-one chance DNA from the vomit found was not Finlay’s.

Finlay, and two other men, followed their victim to the station at about 6.45pm on September 6, 2011.

The trio barged through ticket barriers as they stalked the man, attacking him as he sat on the platform waiting for a train.

They thrust a bottle into their victim’s face, leaving the man, who was 20 at the time, with wounds that have scarred him for life.

Speaking after the sentencing at Blackfriars Crown Court, investigating officer Detective Constable Ostin Elkins said: "This has been a complex investigation which has involved a lot of good police work.

"I would like to pay tribute to the officers involved.

"Finlay subjected his victim to a horrifying attack which has left him with permanent scars, yet he failed to admit any responsibility for his actions.

"I hope the sentence will provide him with the opportunity to reflect on his crime."