A Lincoln man has received a 10-year Criminal Anti-Social Behaviour Order (CRASBO), which prevents him attending any public English Defence League (EDL) meetings.
Shane Overton (38) of Parker Avenue, Lincoln received the CRASBO at Doncaster Crown Court following his attendance at an EDL meeting in Newcastle last year.
He pleaded guilty to racially aggravated public order following an incident on a train at Doncaster on May 29 last year.
Overton was arrested by British Transport Police (BTP) after he subjected a family to racially offensive language whilst “patiently waiting for their train”.
“The extreme views expressed by Overton caused two children to cling to their parents in fear,” said BTP Chief Inspector Tom Naughton.
“No one should be made to feel fear or concern for their safety purely because of the language they speak or the colour of their skin.”
Andy Haworth is from the National Domestic Extremism Unit, a national police unit who worked alongside BTP and Lincolnshire Police.
“It is only the second time a CRASBO of this nature has been granted to individuals participating in Defence League demonstrations,” Haworth said.
“It is widely anticipated other police forces will follow suit and apply for CRASBOs to stop violent individuals from subverting other wise legitimate, lawful, protests.
“While the Defence Leagues are entitled to protest, violence has been a persistent feature of their demonstrations and on this occasion on the offence was committed while travelling from a demonstration.”
Under the conditions of the CRASBO, Shane Overton is unable to travel on or enter any railway station or contact the victims in this case.
He’s also restricted to knowingly participate in, organise or control any demonstration, meeting, gathering or website concerning the EDL.
Overton also can’t enter or loiter outside any mosque, Islamic prayer room, meeting room, school, cultural centre or festival site.
Simon Bromiley from Lincolnshire Police said: “We are extremely pleased with this result.
“We have worked closely with our national partners on this case and we are hopeful that utilising this kind of legislation will enable us to curb Overton’s offending and tackle racism and Islamophobia in our community in the future.”
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A man allegedly assaulted and verbally abused a member of rail staff after being questioned over having an incorrect ticket.
A member of rail staff on board questioned the man travelling on a train from Lincoln to Leeds with an incorrect ticket at 5.03pm on Tuesday, May 3.
British Transport Police said when the train was stood at Worksop station, the man grabbed his arm and pulled him whilst verbally abusing him. He is then said to have thrown a drink bottle at his leg.
On Wednesday, May 18 British Transport Police released a CCTV image of a man they believe may have information which could help their investigation.
They did not specify whether or not he is a suspect or a witness.
Do you recognise this man? | Photo: British Transport Police
Anyone who recognises the man, or has any information, is being urged to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 516 of 03/05/22.
Alternatively, information can be reported through the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A burglar who took sentimental items from the home of an 84-year-old woman while she was asleep in her chair was on Wednesday jailed for 20 months.
Lincoln Crown Court heard Wendy Bird woke to find her handbag had been taken from the living room of her Mablethorpe home.
Jerry Johnson, 25, of no fixed address, admitted burgling the property on 4 March this year.
Phillip Plant, prosecuting, said Mrs Bird fell asleep after being left at 11am by a relative and woke at 1.45pm to find her handbag gone.
Among the items taken were a watch valued at £800, £40 in cash, some sentimental gold rings, a bank card and batteries for a hearing aid.
Mr Plant said Johnson was a disqualified driver but later the same day used Mrs Bird’s bank card to spend £21 at the Empire filling station in Mablethorpe.
Police were able to identify Johnson on CCTV from his distinctive tattoos and the car was spotted again at Tesco in Skegness at 4.30pm on the same day.
The court heard Johnson failed to stop for officers and drove away, before being involved in a collision.
Johnson also pleaded guilty to failing to stop, failing to stop after an accident, driving while disqualified and a charge of fraudulently using Mrs Bird’s bank card on 4 March.
In a victim impact statement Mrs Bird said she now felt like a prisoner in her own home and always had to keep her doors locked.
Johnson, who represented himself in court, apologised to Mrs Bird, stating: “To the lady I am really sorry. At the time I was on drugs.”
Passing sentence Judge John Pini QC told Johnson: “This was a very mean offence.”
He was jailed for 20 months and disqualified from driving for two years and ten months.
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