A RACIST gang has been jailed for a series of violent incidents following an English Defence League (EDL) demonstration in Cleckheaton.
Bradford men Kevin Docherty, 29, of Grisedale Close; Robert Collington, 27, of Bedivere Road; Mark Peel, 24, of Bolton Hall Road; David Lawler, 30, of Bradford Road, Shipley; Ben Phelps, 19, of Meadway and Steven Woodhead, 33, of Heysham Drive, were jailed at Leeds Crown Court yesterday for violent incidents in Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike and Dewsbury, on March 17.
All the men, who admitted offences including violent disorder and racially aggravated assault, received sentences of between four and 14 months.
A 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, received a 12-month youth rehabilitation order.
The court heard that following the peaceful protest a number of men, claiming to be EDL members, wandered around Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike and Dewsbury displaying posters and flags as well as shouting abuse at bystanders.
Some of the men racially abused and spat at two Asian men sitting in their car at traffic lights, on Northgate, Dewsbury. The men’s car was also damaged by the gang.
A 35-year-old Asian man suffered a black eye and bruised ribs after he was attacked by the gang, on Corporation Street, Dewsbury.
Det Insp Andy Leonard, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “We welcome the sentences passed and hope they serve as a warning to those who think it’s acceptable to abuse people because of the colour of their skin or their religious beliefs and also cause mindless damage.”
