A homeless man who walked the streets dressed in a suit and carrying empty beer bottles in his pockets to use as weapons has been detained indefinitely after seriously assaulting and robbing two young women at Surbiton railway station.

Marko Kontestabile, 21 originally from Slovenia, was sentenced in Southwark Crown Court yesterday to robbery, causing actual bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon.

Kontestabile, who has been diagnosed as mentally ill, pleaded guilty to all three charges.

British Transport Police Robbery Squad Detective Sergeant Tony Burman said the charges stemmed from an incident at Surbiton railway station on January 10.

"Medical students Lisa Tomkins, 22 and Chrissie Emerson, 21, had been shopping on Surbiton High Street when they noticed they were being followed. The women had purchased food and cleaning items and were walking across a railway footbridge when they were approached from behind.

"Kontestabile is seen on CCTV pulling the bottle from his jacket and striking both women over the head and then grabbing their shopping and fleeing.

"Both victims suffered wounds to the head, with one requiring stitches."

D Sgt Burman said police recovered a bottle from the scene and the following day visited local businesses in the area asking if they had seen anyone matching the description of the robber.

Police were called later that day by staff at the local YMCA who saw a man matching the description of the offender using the internet.

"BTP officers attended and arrested Kontestabile at the computer desk, wearing the same clothes he was captured wearing on the CCTV. He also had two empty beer bottles in his pockets upon arrest. He was interviewed and admitted all three charges.

"Kontestabile told police he carried bottles for protection and he admitted stealing the shopping bags because he wanted food."

In sentencing, Judge David Higgins said he had no option but to order Kontestabile be detained under section 37 of the Mental Health Act 1983.

Outside the court D Sgt Burman said: “This was a particularly violent assault on two young girls who were simply out doing a routine bit of shopping.

“They were watched, followed and then violently assaulted. Hopefully the end of this case will allow the victims to move on with their lives."

After sentencing Ms Tomkins and Ms Emerson said they could still vividly remember the incident.

Ms Tomkins said: “We were both really shocked by what happened.

“We can both recall everything that happened. The most surprising thing for us was that he was dressed in a suit and we had both seen him earlier but didn’t think there was anything unusual or out of the ordinary about him.”

She said both students had to take time off work and delayed their exams as a result of the incident.

“It’s been a long sentencing process. We are just relieved to get a result in this case and try to put the matter behind us.”