What started as an ordinary evening at a London train station quickly turned into a troubling and violent encounter—one that has now led to serious consequences for a former Watford FC employee.
The incident involved a shocking display of aggression, racial abuse, and a courtroom outcome that has left the football community and wider public stunned.
A Violent Outburst Caught Everyone Off Guard
The story unfolds at Southall Station in May last year, where Ebonnie-Rose John-Jules, 23, got into a heated argument with Transport for London staff alongside her friend, Naomi Caruana.
According to prosecutors, things escalated fast.
It was around 6:30 PM when TfL employee Sasha Da Cunha found herself in a confrontation with the pair.
Her colleague, Tom Kakeeto, had just finished his shift and stepped in to deescalate the situation. Instead, the situation took a dangerous turn.
Without warning, John-Jules reportedly kicked Kakeeto’s bike, prompting a physical response.
Then, she allegedly removed her earrings and launched into a physical attack—punching him directly in the face.
Racial Slurs and Threats During the Attack
What made the situation even more disturbing were the racially charged remarks made during the assault.
Witnesses and the court heard that John-Jules shouted phrases like “Go back to your country, you bloody Indians” at Ms. Da Cunha.
She didn’t stop there. Prosecutors said she also yelled, “I won’t leave until I see him bleeding,” in reference to Kakeeto.
The attack continued as both women were reportedly involved, although Caruana was said to have taken the lead in the physical confrontation.
A Courtroom Admission After a Year of Denial
Initially, John-Jules denied any wrongdoing for over a year.
But when her trial date arrived, she finally pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr. Kakeeto and to racially-aggravated threatening behavior.
It was also revealed that John-Jules has a previous conviction for threatening behavior from 2022.
Despite holding advanced academic qualifications—including a Master’s degree in International Sports Management—her behavior during this incident has drastically tarnished her professional reputation.
Sentencing and Legal Consequences
At Westminster Magistrates’ Court, the judge emphasized the seriousness of the incident.
John-Jules received a 12-month community order with 70 hours of unpaid work, up to five days of rehabilitation, and a £50 fine.
Caruana also pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay compensation totaling £170 to the victims, as well as court costs and a victim surcharge.
The attack, described by prosecutors as “sustained” and “unprovoked,” lasted around 44 seconds but left emotional and psychological damage.
Kakeeto stated he was shaken by the experience and no longer feels safe wearing his work uniform in public.
Watford FC Responds with Strong Condemnation
Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust issued a firm statement distancing themselves from John-Jules.
She had only just begun working with the organization before the incident occurred.
The Trust clarified that she never disclosed her arrest or legal issues—something that violated company policy.
They emphasized that had they known, she would have been suspended immediately and ultimately dismissed upon conviction.
The Trust reiterated their zero-tolerance stance on racism and violence, offering their full support to the victims.
Moving Forward with Accountability
The organization also promised to review and strengthen internal policies regarding employee disclosures of legal matters.
In closing, they sent heartfelt wishes to those affected, hoping the court’s decision sends a clear message that such behavior is unacceptable.