Men avoid jail for racially abusing protesters

The court heard Ian Beim (left) and Kevin Sweeney had been drinking

Two men who called pro-Palestine protesters terrorists and shouted racist abuse at them at a sit-in at London Waterloo railway station on Armistice Day have avoided prison.

Ian Beim, 57, and Kevin Sweeney, 61, both admitted two racially aggravated public order offences at a hearing last month.

The pair also swore at protesters during the incident in November, told them to "go back to their own country" and stated about themselves that they had been "born in this country", Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.

Both defendants were given a community order for a year with 200 hours of unpaid work. They must also pay £199 in costs.

The pair had been drinking before they reached Waterloo station on their way home and began making the remarks, the court heard.

Prosecutor David Burns said they "became abusive" towards the demonstrators, calling them terrorists, shouting swear words at them, and saying they were born in the country.

He added: "They were told by the protesters that they were also born in this country, and became increasingly aggressive and abusive towards members of the public who were filming them."

The court heard the pair then continued to shout abuse at demonstrators who were on their train home, where children were present.

Pro-Palestine activists took part in a sit-in at London Waterloo station on Armistice Day

The prosecutor added: "The defendants were drunk and continued to make remarks which were racist and threatening."

Mr Beim's lawyer Tony Jacobs told the court his client was "extremely embarrassed" by his behaviour.

He took issue with the suggestion his client had deeply held "discriminatory beliefs", telling the court: "I don't know if we can say [he has] deeply held discriminatory beliefs. That is over-egging the pudding."

The lawyer also claimed protesters were shouting "from the river to the sea", which, alongside the 7 October massacre a month before, were part of the background to his "inexcusable" behaviour.

Mr Sweeney's lawyer Chantel Gaber said her client was "remorseful" and "extremely sorry" for his "spur of the moment" remarks.

Beim must also complete 15 rehabilitation days while Sweeney must complete 10 rehabilitation days.