**Former Wales U19 Footballer Elijah Chilekwa Convicted After Train Tirade Caught on Video**
A former Wales under-19 football player has been fined and given a criminal conviction after he was filmed making threats towards a group of female passengers on a train. The disturbing incident, which took place on the evening of 18th May 2025, has raised new questions about safety on public transport and the conduct of athletes off the pitch.
Elijah Chilekwa, aged 27, who previously played as a right winger for Bristol City and scored on his debut for Wales under-19s, was caught on mobile phone footage issuing a string of intimidating statements to the women. The video, circulated widely on social media, shows Chilekwa aggressively telling one woman, “I’ll kill you. I’ll kill your boyfriend,” while several of his friends can be heard trying to encourage him to desist.
Reports suggest that the confrontation began after the women declined to participate in a discussion over which man in Chilekwa’s group they found most attractive. This seemingly light-hearted topic quickly escalated, leading to a situation that left the other passengers clearly alarmed. The clip sees the Cardiff-born, Zambian-raised footballer threaten to follow the women home and continue his aggressive behaviour elsewhere.
The incident unfolded on a train journey between Cardiff Central and Swindon. It was subsequently reported to authorities, prompting the British Transport Police to launch an appeal for witnesses. Officers responded swiftly, and Chilekwa, who is said to be expecting a child, was arrested soon after.
On appearing before magistrates in Reading, Chilekwa admitted to a charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with the intent to cause harassment, alarm, or distress. Magistrates fined him £769 and ordered he pay an additional £250 in compensation to those affected by his actions.
During court proceedings, it emerged that while Chilekwa enjoyed a bright start to his footballing career, his professional prospects did not progress as he might have hoped. After his time with Bristol City, he moved to Worcester City and currently represents Cardiff Corinthians at the non-league level. It has also been reported that he is now working as an electrician.
A spokesperson for British Transport Police condemned the incident, stating: “There is absolutely no place for violent or intimidating behaviour on the railway network.” They reiterated the force’s commitment to ensuring public transport remains a safe environment for all, calling on passengers who witness or experience abuse to report it immediately.
The case has provoked wider debate about how aggressive conduct, particularly from public figures or individuals in influential positions, impacts both victims and the broader sense of safety on public transport. Some campaigners have highlighted a need for increased scrutiny and support for those affected by public harassment.
Chilekwa’s story presents a stark contrast between promising athletic achievement and personal struggles off the field. As with many stories concerning athletes, it shines a light on how fame and pressure can intersect with difficult personal circumstances—though, as some observers have noted, this cannot excuse threatening or violent behaviour.
The women targeted in the incident have not been publicly identified and are understood to have received appropriate support from police. The outcome of the case sends a clear message about the consequences of harassment, regardless of an individual’s background or previous achievements in sport.
With public awareness of harassment on transport on the rise, this conviction underlines the commitment of authorities to hold offenders to account and safeguard commuters from fear and intimidation.