Terror Attacks Of Drunk Youths - Court Story

A SKINHEAD gang  of "punch drunk young men" went wild in London's Underground system, a court heard this week.

The gang of 15 to 20 youths, about half of them from Thurrock, terrorised passengers and attacked and robbed Pakistanis, the prosecution alleged.

There were 19 youths in Inner London Crown Court on Tuesday for the start of a legal wrangle which will last for weeks. They were charged with conspiracy to rob, assault or theft.

Nine youths admitted offences. Those from Thurrock were: Kevin Salmons, 20, a wood machinist of 12 Claudian Way, Chadwell St Mary: Keiron Bend, 20, an apprentice welder of Brennan Road Tilbury, and Anthony Barker, 15, a schoolboy of Lucas Way, Grays.

The trials started of four youths - among them was David Strickson, 18, a machine assistant of St Francis Way, Chadwell.

And when the trials are completed, in about two weeks, the trials of five others will begin. These five are Kieron White, 17, a chain boy of second avenue, West Thurrock: Graham Steele, 19, a labourer of Alexander Road, Tilbury: Peter Coleman, 18. of Handel Crescent, Tilbury: Malcolm Chandler, 20, of Hogarth Road, Stifford Clays: and Anthony Emmens, 18, unemployed of Wellington Road, Tilbury.

Miss Anne Curnow prosecuting counsel, said the general allegation was the four on trial conspired together and with others to rob and assault passengers on the Underground. The offences occurred on the evening of March 25 last year after the football match between Westham and Chelsea.

"After the match they travelled, not all together, to the West End of London. The were wearing Skinhead hair cuts and steels boots and terrorised passengers. They travelled mindlessly, first of all going to victoria, and then on various lines. In the course of their rampage they mugged and robbed four passengers. Three of them were Pakistanis, but one did not complain, and the fourth was a Greek who had a dark complexion. But in the course of statements, in all six passengers were mugged.
The various gangs started off at Upton Park and after going to various districts, they went to Tower Hill where two gangs met up and there was a gang of between 15 and 20 punch drunk young men who went wild. They went on to Whitechapel Station and ended up in a grand slam when two Pakistanis were assaulted and robbed. One of them was in such a panic that he was able to leave the train but he was pursued down the platform and assaulted again. In the course of the mugging, pockets were picked, rings torn off their fingers and watches snatched off their wrists. The guard was alerted at Whitechapel Station and he closed the doors, but some of the youths managed to get out.
Three were arrested on the train and one of the other youths was seen to put something down behind the seats. This was later retrieved and found to be watches, rings and personal things which were later identified by the victims. The robberies were carried out with some force, blows being struck and the victims were also kicked by the heavy boots the skinheads were wearing, which they themselves described as "Steels". In one instance, a woman, bravely remonstrated with the wild youths but she was told to go away in no uncertain terms.