Alistair FinchPutney Pusher: Millionaire Banker Arrested and Released — What Victims' Rights Mean After Years Without Justice
Police hunting the notorious "Putney Pusher" — the unidentified jogger caught on CCTV shoving a female pedestrian into the path of a double-decker bus on Putney Bridge in May 2017 — have arrested and subsequently released a suspect without charge.
The man taken in for questioning is described as a multi-millionaire banker with royal connections, a director at a private bank and a decorated former British Army officer who served in several major conflicts. He was detained at his £1.4 million west London home as part of the renewed investigation into the nine-year-old incident. However, police have confirmed he has been released with no further action, having provided evidence placing him in the United States at the time of the attack.
The arrest reignites public focus on one of London's most discussed unsolved incidents — and raises vital questions about what the legal process means for victims of violent crime when justice is delayed by years or even decades.
What Happened on Putney Bridge?
The incident that coined the phrase "Putney Pusher" took place during rush hour on 5 May 2017. CCTV footage captured a jogger deliberately shoving a woman from behind as she walked across Putney Bridge in south-west London, sending her into the path of an oncoming double-decker bus. The woman narrowly escaped serious injury.
The footage, which circulated widely online, showed the attack was deliberate — yet despite the clear video evidence and extensive media coverage, no one was ever charged. Metropolitan Police have periodically released images and appeals for information, and in recent weeks the investigation was reignited, leading to the arrest announced in June 2026.
The case illustrates a painful reality of the criminal justice system: even in high-profile incidents with video evidence, identification and prosecution can take years. For victims, that gap between incident and outcome can be both traumatic and legally complex.
What Rights Do Victims Have When Cases Go Unsolved?
In England and Wales, victims of violent crime have a range of legal rights regardless of whether an arrest has been made or a prosecution secured. These rights are set out in the Victims' Code, which is administered by the Ministry of Justice and binding on all criminal justice agencies.
Under the Victims' Code and related legislation, victims are entitled to:
- Information: The right to be told within five working days if a suspect is charged, released, bailed, or if the case is discontinued.
- Support services: Access to the national Victim Support service and specialist support for victims of assault, regardless of whether a prosecution is under way.
- A personal statement: The right to submit a Victim Personal Statement explaining the impact of the crime, which can be used at sentencing if a conviction is eventually secured — even years later.
- Enhanced entitlements: Victims of violent crime are eligible for "Enhanced Entitlements" under the Code, including a meeting with the relevant police officer to understand investigative progress.
Crucially, in England and Wales there is no general statute of limitations for serious criminal offences. Unlike some civil claims, which must typically be brought within defined time limits, there is no legal barrier to a prosecution being brought years or even decades after a violent attack — provided the Crown Prosecution Service considers there to be sufficient evidence and that a prosecution is in the public interest.
Can Victims Seek Compensation If No One Is Convicted?
Yes — and this is a point many victims and their families are not aware of. In England and Wales, victims of violent crime may be eligible for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) even if no one has been arrested or convicted.
The CICA operates independently of criminal proceedings. Eligibility is based on whether the incident constitutes a crime of violence under UK law, not on whether a perpetrator has been identified. Claims must generally be brought within two years of the incident, though CICA retains discretion to consider claims outside that period in exceptional circumstances.
The Crown Prosecution Service's guidance on victims and witnesses sets out in detail the rights available to people affected by crime in England and Wales, including the entitlement to information about case progress and how to make a compensation application.
When Should Victims Consult a Solicitor?
Many victims of violent crime assume that legal advice is only relevant once a prosecution is under way. In reality, a solicitor specialising in criminal law or personal injury can provide valuable support at any stage, including:
- Advising on the right to challenge a CPS decision not to prosecute
- Assisting with CICA applications, including cases where claims have been previously rejected
- Advising on civil claims for personal injury, which can run alongside or independently of criminal proceedings
- Supporting victims through the police complaints process if they feel their case has not been properly handled
In cases like the Putney Pusher, where the gap between incident and potential justice spans years, legal advice can also help victims understand how the passage of time affects the strength and admissibility of evidence — and what obligations remain on investigating authorities.
Nine Years On: The Case Is Not Closed
The arrest and release of the west London banker is significant not because it ends the investigation, but because it confirms it remains active. Metropolitan Police have invested renewed resources in the case nearly a decade after the original incident, indicating they continue to believe a suspect can be identified and prosecuted.
For the victim of the original attack, and for the public, that persistence matters. It underscores a principle central to the English legal system: that violent crime does not have an expiry date, and that the state's obligation to seek justice does not diminish with the passage of time.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of violent crime and has questions about your legal rights, compensation entitlements, or how to engage with an ongoing investigation, ExpertZoom can connect you with qualified legal professionals who specialise in criminal law and victim support.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your circumstances, please consult a qualified solicitor.
