Court fines two men for yelling “Go back to where you came from” to Jews on Carlisle train

A court has fined two men for racially aggravated disorderly behaviour after they shouted “go back to where you came from” at a group of Jews on a Carlisle train.

The defendants, Paul Biaylock and Ian Routledge, admitted to making the comments on a journey between Newcastle and Carlisle in February.

The victims were visibly Jewish, owing to their skullcaps.

“The group were talking and laughing among themselves and both defendants could be heard making racially abusive comments,” Carlisle’s Rickergate Court was told.

Neither defendant was represented by a lawyer, and the sentences took into account the admissions of guilt. Mr Blaylock and Mr Routledge were fined £200 and £250 respectively, with both incurring additional costs and a victim surcharge. The fines were higher owing to the racial element of the offences.

Recently, Campaign Against Antisemitism reported that police were investigating antisemitic abuse shouted on Church Street in Carlisle.

Campaign Against Antisemitism’s analysis of Home Office statistics shows that an average of over three hate crimes are directed at Jews every single day in England and Wales, with Jews almost four times more likely to be targets of hate crimes than any other faith group.