Seven Charlton fans who chanted racist songs praising Stephen Lawrence's killers have been sent to jail.

The men, aged between 22 and 31, have also been banned from football for a total of 52 years after being sentenced yesterday.

Blackfriars Crown Court heard the men were travelling on a train from Putney to Waterloo following the FA Cup Match between Fulham and Charlton Athletic on 7 January 2012.

Police were called to the train by concerned passengers who witnessed the chants about Gary Dobson, three days after he was convicted of murdering Stephen Lawrence.

The court heard witnesses felt threatened by the racially and sexually abusive language adopted by the men.

Officers launched an investigation codenamed Operation Midas and identified a group of people in connection with the incident.

Nine men were arrested following raids at addresses in south London conducted by British Transport Police (BTP), Metropolitan Police and Charlton Athletic officials.

Seven men were found guilty of racially aggravated fear of violence.

David Bone, 23, of Tivoli Gardens, Woolwich, and Daniel Clay, 31, of Baring Road, Lewisham were sentenced to 18 months in prison and an eight year football banning order.

The same eight year match ban was handed to Ben Boylett, 26, of Lamberton Street, Borehamwood, and Jason Butler, 31, of Mottisfont Road, Abbey Wood.

They were also each given one year in prison.

Sean Fowle, of Smithies Road, Abbey Wood, and Aaron Phinbow, of Abbey Wood Road, Abbey Wood, London, both 25, also received an eight year ban and eight months behind bars.

Jake Embery, 22, of Mickleham Road, Orpington, was given a six month suspended sentence, a four year match ban and ordered to pay £3,000 costs.

Detective Sergeant Jane Hill, from BTP, said: "The actions of these men were both offensive and extremely intimidating to other passengers on board the train at the time.

"I hope that being banned from the club, along with the sentences handed down today serves as a stark reminder that racism in our communities and on the rail network is utterly unacceptable.

"When it is reported to us we will do everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice."

Mick Everett, head of operations at Charlton Athletic FC, said: "Charlton Athletic is widely recognised as one of the most successful football clubs in the country at promoting social inclusion, building community cohesion, and tackling racism.

"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."

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."

 

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