Image Text:

SENTENCED: The fans were handed their jail terms at Blackfriars Crown Court

RACIALLY ABUSIVE football fans who chanted praise of Stephen Lawrence’s murderers on a train after a FA Cup match have been imprisoned.

The seven men were sentenced yesterday (October 30) at Blackfriars Crown Court for hate crimes that took place on January 7, 2012, on a train travelling from Putney to Waterloo following the game between Fulham and Charlton.

All seven men were banned from attending football matches for a maximum of eight years and were given prison terms of up to a year and a half.

Those convicted and sentenced for racially aggravated fear of violence are: David Bone, 23, jailed for 18 months; Daniel Clay, 31, imprisoned for 18 months; Ben Boylett, 26, got a 12-month term; Sean Fowle, 25, jailed for eight months; Jason Butler, 31, handed 12 months behind bars; and Jake Embery, 22, who received a six-month sentence suspended for 18 months.

Baljit Ubhey, CPS London chief crown prosecutor, said: “These men were singing and chanting racist abuse in praise of the convicted murderers of Stephen Lawrence. To glorify and idolise these men was disturbing and upsetting.

“Their racially and sexually abusive language left members of the public shocked and disgusted. Witnesses said they felt intimidated and feared there was a real and significant risk of violence.”

He added: “I would like to thank the witnesses who came forward and gave evidence to support this prosecution.

“As the Hate Crime Champion for the CPS I am committed to ensuring that CPS London works with its police partners to tackle this type of behaviour.

“I hope these convictions stand as a warning that racist and abusive behaviour will not be tolerated in our city.”

Mick Everett, Charlton's head of operations, said: “The club was shocked to hear of the rowdy, intimidating behaviour, and the chanting of racist songs on a train by a handful of our supporters.

“Their actions are totally condemned by everyone at the club and indeed, I am sure, by Charlton supporters everywhere.

“Although this isolated incident does not reflect on the overwhelming majority of our fans, these arrests are a kick in the teeth to everyone associated with the club, who have put so much effort into our campaign over the years.

“The club will now look to impose additional appropriate sanctions on those involved.”