Asylum seekers attacked for sport

The sheriff said asylum seekers were attacked because of their race

Six teenagers have been sentenced to a total of eight-and-a-half years after a sheriff warned that asylum seekers are being attacked "for sport".

Sheriff Michael O'Grady told Glasgow Sheriff Court that such "recreational racism" had become "utterly endemic".

The gang admitted an unprovoked assault on a group of Iranian men in Glasgow.

"People come to this country seeking refuge and support, but they end up victims of crimes committed for nothing more than sport," he said.

Sheriff O'Grady said that the "appalling and cowardly" offences often took place because of the victim's race.

The courts have a duty to protect others. If the courts do not send out the proper message, then who will? Sheriff Michael O'Grady

"It is recreational racism. Time and time again, I hear of these incidents. They are intolerable, but it appears the message can go unheard.

"The courts have a duty to protect others. If the courts do not send out the proper message, then who will?" he asked.

The court had earlier heard that Mohammed Said, Mohammed Jolani, Mike Fard and Katenga Kabeya were attacked in the Springburn area of the city in August last year.

The large teenage gang responsible included Craig McGrath, 17, Paul Keenan, 17, James Hollands, 17, Kenneth Twigg, 17, Sean Kerr, 17, Thomas Manuel, 16, and a 15-year-old girl who cannot be identified for legal reasons.

Punched and kicked

They chased after the Iranians while hurling a stream of foul-mouthed and racist abuse.

McGrath, Keenan, Hollands and Twigg caught up with Mr Said and knocked him to the ground.

He was punched and kicked on the body before being struck with a knife as he tried to defend himself.

McGrath then turned on Mr Kabeya and carried out a similar assault.

One witness said that they rounded on the men "like a pack of wolves".

Racially aggravated

Mr Said and Mr Kabeya were taken to hospital for treatment for various injuries.

McGrath, of Wallacewell Crescent, was sentenced to three years in detention after admitting two racially aggravated assaults and a breach of the peace.

Keenan, of Bishopmill Road, was also sentenced to three years after he admitted attacking Mr Said.

Hollands, of Auchenbothie Road, and Twigg, of Ryehill Road, were each sentenced to nine months for their part in the assault.

Manuel, of Quarrywood Avenue, and Kerr, of Wallacewell Road, received six months each for breach of the peace.

Sentence on the 15 year-old girl was deferred for four months for her to be of good behaviour.