South Yorkshire Britain First supporters Fined for Train Abuse

Three members of the self-named ‘South Yorkshire Casuals’ were fined after appearing at Barnsley Magistrates Court on Monday April 9 for their unacceptable and racially aggravated offensive behavior on a train between Leeds and Barnsley.

The court heard how Dale Kelk (33) of  Woodhall Road, Barnsley, Julian Jones (42) of  Ravenna Close, Barnsley and Paul Collins (35) of Lindsey Avenue, were part of a larger group of men who had traveled from South Yorkshire intending to go to the Britain First demonstration in Dewsbury on 30 January 2016.

The group were intercepted and spoken to at Leeds railway station by British Transport Police (BTP) officers who were concerned about their behavior. They were advised that they would be prevented from attending the demonstration and were issued with dispersal notices to return back to South Yorkshire. They were escorted back on a busy train by a number of BTP officers.

Several member of the group began being loud and chanting on the train and despite being asked to quieten and calm down by officers on the service, Kelk, Jones and Collins persisted to display unacceptable behavior.
As the train pulled into Barnsley station, Collins and Jones began to sing religiously offensive songs loudly and officers stepped in and arrested them along with Kelk.

• Kelk pleaded guilty to Section 5 public order.He was fined £133 and ordered to pay £100 costs and a £20 victim surcharge 
• Jones pleaded guilty to religiously aggravated Section 5 public order. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £300 costs and a £20 victim surcharge   
• Collins pleaded guilty to religiously aggravated Section 5 public order. He was fined £173, and ordered to pay  £300 costs and a £20 victim surcharge 

Inspector Granville Sellers from BTP said, “The train was extremely busy and the behavior of Kelk, Collins and Jones was very uncomfortable and distressing for the other passengers on board who should not have to be subjected to such abhorrent conduct. 

 “The policing of these demonstrations can be very challenging; however BTP will not tolerate inappropriate and offensive behavior or language on the rail network and we will always take positive action against anyone who demonstrates such unacceptable behavior."