Obviously being in London I didn't see it but there is a similar chap who boards my trains home who always complains that he's just trying to get enough cash together to get a ticket home to Leeds, that he had his wallet and mobile stolen and can anyone help. After the 3rd time, it gets a bit annoying but suprisingly, people do give money even tho he clearly is a grafter!

NB - these are the same people who won't help list buggies down onto the platform; who don't give up their seats to pregnant or the elderly; who flap and rest their newspapers on my head. Go figure.