Gang Jailed For Racist Abuse At Carlisle Takeaway

09/02/2012

A gang who hurled racist abuse at staff in a takeaway in Carlisle town centre have been sentenced to nearly 15 years in total at Carlisle Crown Court.

The group of 12 men and women targeted a Turkish cafe, shouting and gesticulating at two staff,  who were working there, and banging on the window.  The incident in May 2011 was captured on CCTV which was played to the court before the defendants were sentenced.

Linda Vance, District Crown Prosecutor, said:

"This was a deliberately planned racially aggravated attack targeting staff at a takeaway during day light hours in Carlisle City Centre.  The defendants had no choice but to plead guilty to the offences in the face of such compelling CCTV evidence.

"The Crown Prosecution Service worked closely with Cumbria Police in reviewing the evidence and charging the defendants involved.  Michael Wilson appeared before the court just two days after the offence took place whilst enquiries continued to identify the other perpetrators.

Racist and religious crime is particularly hurtful to victims as they are being targeted because of their personal identify and perceived racial ethnic origin.  The CPS takes offences of this nature extremely seriously and will continue bringing such offenders to justice."

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